PORTLAND--- Three Beliefs ( www.portlanddiocese.org/threebeliefs) is a guide for Maine Catholics that offers valuable assistance and information regarding end-of-life issues.
 
Three Beliefs is produced by the Diocese of Portland and includes an explanation of Catholic teaching on life-sustaining treatment and care; an introductory letter from Bishop Robert P. Deeley; the Maine Advance Directive form modified to ensure consistency with both Catholic teaching and Maine law; a helpful FAQ section; and more.
 
“Making the difficult choices surrounding end-of-life medical care and sharing them with family and friends now can ensure that your beliefs about the sanctity of human life, the appropriateness of medical care, and the dignity of the dying process are known in advance so they can be met in the future,” said Bishop Deeley. “Oftentimes, simply having the discussion ahead of time can avoid difficult deliberations by next of kin. Your own expressed wishes will be able to guide their decisions.”
To view a printer-friendly version of Three Beliefs or for additional resources and information on a variety of topics regarding Catholic teaching on the end of life, visit www.portlanddiocese.org/ThreeBeliefs.
Copies of Three Beliefs are also available by contacting your local parish or the diocese at (207) 773-6471.