2013 ANNUAL ARCHDIOCESAN RESPECT LIFE ESSAY CONTEST

"God is the Author of Life"

GRADES 1-2

Think of an older person you know---like a grandmother or grandfather or a friend or neighbor. These people are special gifts from God. They have been in the world a long time so they can tell you stories about their lives and teach you things. You can tell them stories too and make them laugh. Think of an older person you know and love. Write a short story about him or her and how important they are to you.                                                                                                                                                                                    

GRADES 3-4

Some people are born with disabilities that make life more difficult for them. Others might become disabled because of an accident or illness. Those with disabilities may need extra help doing things we take for granted---like walking or talking. Like all of us, they are children of God and have important gifts to share. They can teach us how to help and support one another and how to love unconditionally. What could you do to help a friend or relative with a disability? How has that person been important to you? How can you encourage him or her to use their unique gifts?  

GRADES 5-6

God is perfect and He created us in His image and likeness. But we, God's creatures, are subject to physical limitations and weaknesses due to illness, disability, accidents and aging. Any imperfections, no matter how serious, do not make us any less precious in the eyes of God. Neither should they change how we treat each other. Some people value a person only for what he or she can contribute to society. But this is not what Jesus taught. True compassion is shown in our ability to share in the sufferings of others as Jesus did. The corporal works of mercy include visiting the sick. The spiritual works of mercy include comforting the sorrowful. Think about someone important to you who is sick or suffering or near death. How could you put the works of mercy into practice to let him or her know they are loved, wanted and respected?

GRADES 7-8

Physician-assisted suicide allows doctors to prescribe medication to sick or dying patients, under certain circumstances, to end their lives. It is now legal in Oregon and Washington. Those who support assisted suicide call it by other names like aid in dying, death with dignity and the right to die. This disguises the fact that there is nothing caring or compassionate about helping someone end his or her life prematurely. Suicide should be prevented, not chosen as an option. Legalization of physician-assisted suicide in some states is making suicide seem like an acceptable way to die. A new national study found that suicide is now the leading cause of injury-related deaths in America, surpassing even deaths from car crashes. Jesus said, "Love one another as I have loved you." Helping or encouraging someone to end their own life is never a loving option.  Think about how sad it would be to lose someone close to you. How can you show love and true compassion to someone who is depressed, sick or suffering---someone who might be considering ending his or her life? How would you let them know that life is worth living and that God alone is the author of life and death?

GRADES 9-12

Legalization of physician-assisted suicide has been prevented in many states due to the action of organizations that come together in coalition to oppose it. These coalitions include members like the Catholic Church, medical associations, disability-rights groups, and elder-abuse organizations. Proponents of assisted suicide advance arguments that make the sick and elderly fear that they will "lose their independence" and "become a burden" to others. They try to convince doctors that "compassionately" killing their patients is ethically equivalent to healing them. They persuade society that the weak and vulnerable are a drain on the healthcare system and that limited resources could be better allocated elsewhere. Inevitably the "right to die" turns into a subtle "duty to die." Think about someone you know who is elderly, sick or dying and how tragic it would be for him or her to take their life prematurely. What positive message does the world need to hear about the Catholic Church's teaching against assisted suicide? Why do you think these other coalition organizations would also be opposed? What are your own thoughts about physician-assisted suicide?