August 26, 2009

 Prominent experts to give two-day seminar on Catholic bioethics

By Roxanne King

Denver will play host to a seminar Oct. 2-3 offering renowned speakers presenting the Catholic approach to ethical issues in health care.

Doctors, nurses and other health care workers, as well as clergy, educators and pro-life advocates are invited to the conference co-sponsored by the National Catholic Bioethics Center (NCBC), which has provided such educational events for more than 30 years, and the Denver guild of the Catholic Medical Association.

The seminar, Catholic Health Care in Service to the Human Person, is set for 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 2 and 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Oct. 3 in Bonfils Hall of the John Paul II Center, 1300 S. Steele St. in south Denver.

“This is a wonderful opportunity and it is an honor that Denver was selected to host this event,” said Father Steven Voss, chaplain for the Denver guild of the Catholic Medical Association.

Deacon-Dr. John Volk, a family practice physician from Greeley, said he attended a similar seminar in Florida a few years ago.

 “It was outstanding,” Deacon Volk said. “Father Tad is incredible and the entire NCBC staff is excellent in bringing clarity to difficult issues.”

A brochure from the National Catholic Bioethics Center indicates, “The purpose of the seminar is to provide an educational format with Catholic professional ethicists who will present, analyze and resolve complex ethical dilemmas that are encountered in clinical settings, or which impact each of us as citizens in a country where life, at various stages, is threatened.”

Attendees can expect to gain a familiarity in the application of the Catholic tradition in health care as expressed in the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services.

Speakers include scientist-priest Father Tad Pacholczyk, director of education for the NCBC who is often called on by media and lawmakers for his expertise on embryonic stem cell research; internationally respected moral theologian John Haas, NCBC president; and nurse and canon lawyer Marie T. Hilliard, NCBC’s director of bioethics and public policy.

Local Catholic ethicists who will deliver talks include Deacon-Dr. Alan Rastrelli, who is an anesthesiologist and a founding member of the inpatient palliative care team at Kaiser Permanente Medical Center; and professor of bioethics and genetics Marilyn Coors of the University of Colorado’s Denver Health Sciences Center.

The diverse range of topics to be addressed include Hilliard’s “The Tragedy of Sexual Assault and the Compassion of the Church,” Father Pacholczyk’s “Stem Cell Research, the Whole Story,” Coors’ “Babies are Begotten, Not Made” and Deacon-Dr. Rastrelli’s “Care and Respect for the Dying: Ethical Issues in Palliative Care.” Other topics to be explored include contraception and natural family planning, and organ transplants.

The speakers are well-known for their ability to get to the heart of complex topics, as suggested in the title of this talk by Father Pacholczyk, “When Dead Really Means Dead.”

“Priests,” said Father Voss, “are especially invited to this seminar because of the role they have in encouraging and counseling the faithful in sometimes very difficult circumstances.

“Because this is the Year for Priests,” he added, “the Archdiocese of Denver would like to invite priests to a special luncheon during which Father Tad will present on pastoral topics such as withdrawing food and water from patients.  He will also leave time for questions and answers on other topics of interests.”

There is no cost for the luncheon.  For more information, call 303-715-3197.

Mass for seminar attendees will be celebrated by Archbishop Charles Chaput, O.F.M. Cap., on Friday. Auxiliary Bishop James Conley will say Mass for attendees on Saturday.

Seminar cost is $225 for two days, $150 for one day and includes a copy of Health Care Ethics: A Manual for Ethics Committees, a copy of each presentation and continental breakfast. Special rates are offered to priests and full-time students. For information, call 215-877-2660 Ext. 213; or e-mail jkelley@ncbcenter.org.

Continuing education credit is offered to physicians, nurses and chaplains. There is also an opportunity to become certified in Catholic Health Care Ethics. Visit the NCBC Web site for details: www.ncbcenter.org/annual_seminars.asp.

What: Seminar on Catholic bioethics
When: Oct. 2-3
Where: John Paul II Center, Bonfils Hall, 1300 S. Steele St., Denver
Information: Visit www.ncbcenter.org/annual_seminars.asp
Contact: Call 215-877-2660 Ext. 213; e-mail jkelley@ncbcenter.org