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A Catholic Guide on Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care in New Hampshire

This is a new document from the Diocese of Manchester.  It gives valuable assistance to Catholics and others on end-of-life issues. Three Beliefs explains Catholic teaching on life-sustaining treatment and care and includes the New Hampshire Advance Directive form modified in such a way to make it consistent with both Catholic teaching and New Hampshire law. Three Beliefs also contains a helpful FAQ section and wallet cards that include important information for health care providers.

My Beliefs about:

• Using Advance Health Care Directives
• An Informed Conscience On Life-Sustaining Treatment and Care
• The Gift of Life and My Conscience On Life-Sustaining Treatment and Care

Contents

Letter from Bishop John B. McCormack
What This Advance Health Care Directive Guide Accomplishes
Belief 1
Belief 2
Belief 3
Frequently Asked Questions
New Hampshire Advance Directive (PDF)
Disclosure Statement (PDF)
Wallet Cards (PDF)
Download the Entire Three Beliefs - Health Care Directive Guide (PDF)
Contact Us

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

What we believe about God and the human person impacts every aspect of our life experience. In a particular way, what we believe influences how we form our conscience and make decisions that affect others and us. An important aspect of the mission and ministry of the Church is to teach what the Lord teaches and to teach in His Name, mindful that He is the Truth fully revealed by the Father as love.

Three Beliefs is designed to teach what the Catholic tradition believes to be true about the human person, especially about how human life is to be cared for at the end of its earthly journey. This document has been developed to assist Catholics in forming their conscience about end-of-life decisions. It is also offered to others interested in forming their conscience in light of human reason, Sacred Scripture and the Tradition of the Church.

With a well-formed conscience, a person is able to make good decisions. It is also helpful to express one’s understanding and belief about his or her future care in writing. This will help others to make decisions on one’s behalf, if called upon to do so. I believe that Three
Beliefs will make a difference in your life and the lives of those whom you love.

As a pastor, I am confident that Three Beliefs will be helpful to you in making good decisions. As a teacher, I hope that this resource will guide you as you enrich your conscience with a deep sense of the truth about human dignity and God’s love for you and for every human person.

With every good wish, I remain

Sincerely in our Lord,

+ John B. McCormack

Bishop of Manchester