death and dying
The Right to Die
http://americamagazine.org/issue/482/article/must-we-preserve-lifeThis article from the weekly Jesuit magazine America deals with a man's right to die within the framework of Catholic moral theology. The article reviews pertinent landmark cases surrounding this issue and discusses the sixteenth-century Dominican moralist Francisco de Vitoria's writings and Jesuit moral theologian Gerald Kelly's writings in making applications to the patient who is in a persistent vegetative state. Compelling and respectful, this article provides background and much food for thought.
Before I Die
https://www.thirteen.org/bid/Real-life stories are used to discuss issues involved in death and dying. Many topics are treated on the site, including hospice, long-term illness, HIV, euthanasia, advance directives, and living wills. Sidebars give key information and in-depth information on these and other issues. The resources section offers many links to hospice, caregiving, government agencies, and ethics. The spiritual and religious dimension of death is also treated.
The Execution
https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/execution/This site examines the life, crimes, and execution of Clifford Boggess. PBS's Frontline made a documentary on capital punishment that looked at a "typical" killer. This site explores the story, biographical information on Boggess, and his artwork and writings. A definition of a psychopath and a checklist commonly used for diagnosis are shared on the site. With a RealPlayer one can access Boggess speaking in excerpts from the Frontline interview. This is a comprehensive, objective look at the death penalty.
On Our Own Terms
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/onourownterms/This incredible site from PBS is based on the television show "On Our Own Terms: Moyers on Dying." As with all high-quality sites from PBS, the site offers excellent resources and is easy to navigate. Check out the link on therapy and support that focuses on how to cope with grief and find solace in spirituality and the arts. Video and audio clips from interviews on the show make this interactive and excellent for use with students.
Interview with God
https://www.theinterviewwithgod.com/popup-frame.htmlIn a beautifully designed flash presentation, questions are posed to God. The responses will touch you and give you pause to ponder. A wonderful experience to share with colleagues and young people.
Murder Victims' Families for Reconciliation
https://www.facebook.com/mvfrusFounded in 1976, Murder Victims' Families for Reconciliation is a national organization of family members of both homicide and state killings who oppose the death penalty in all cases. Their mission is to abolish the death penalty and advocate for programs and policies that reduce the rate of homicide and promote crime prevention and alternatives to violence. There is support for programs that address the needs of victims, helping them to rebuild their lives. This site provides stories, links, a newsletter, and activities that can easily be adapted to the classroom. An excellent resource for teachers.
Pro-Life Prayers
https://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/prayers-and-devotions/prayers/prolife-prayers.cfmThis site provided by the U.S. Catholic Bishops offers a variety of pro-life prayers that schools and parishes can use, especially on January 22 which the bishops have set aside as A Day of Penance and Prayer in remembrance of Roe vs. Wade.
American Association of Suicidology
https://www.suicidology.org/National Suicide Prevention Week aims to raise awareness of ways to prevent suicide. This link to the American Association of Suicidology will provide pastoral workers with a wealth of information, including a list of crisis centers.
