Ministry of Care and Companionship

On Medical Assistance in Dying and Hope in Christ: A toolkit to share our message

In June 2026, euthanasia, commonly known as MAiD, became legal in Canada. This changed the medical and healthcare landscape for all Canadians. For Canadian Catholics specifically, this raises moral questions that lead to difficult conversations or to their avoidance.

To bring greater awareness, understanding, and faithful action regarding MAiD, the Archdiocese created a toolkit titled "On Medical Assistance in Dying and Hope in Christ: A toolkit to share our message". The toolkit equips people to:

Understand the current context of MAiD in Canada and Nova Scotia
Talk about MAiD with family, friends, and parishioners
Understand our Catholic teaching and stance against MAiD
Access further resources

The toolkit is aimed at clergy, hospital chaplains, and those in pastoral care; however, it is available to all. The toolkit is meant to be used as a DIGITAL RESOURCE on your computer, tablet, or phone, and can be accessed by clicking the toolkit image to the left.

Many of the links within the toolkit connect to the resource directly, apart from the links below:

Dying with Christ, Living with Hope

Ministry of Care and Companionship Resources

A new webpage with resources from the Archdiocesan Ministry of Care and Companionship Committee to support the care of the sick and suffering in our parishes and regions is now available. You will find this page on the Archdiocesan website here: www.halifaxyarmouth.org/care

Of particular note is a video series and discussion guide to introduce a new vision of parish responses to our local need (see right side of webpage for videos and guide). It can be used for discussion and promotion of the ministry for all types of groups and at times convenient for local circumstances.

With the coming of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost, all disciples of Christ are empowered with gifts for the service of others and the common good. The Archdiocesan Ministry of Care and Companionship Committee is a particular manifestation of the varieties of service needed today in the care of the sick, elderly, dying and bereaved and their caregivers.

Take some time to check out our new webpage that offers a wide range of resources that can help us all answer the call to accompany those who are ill or suffering.