SPRING GREEN — Richard Braun, president of the Sauk County Chapter of Wisconsin Right to Life, announced that the 2022 Respect Life Banquet will be held Thursday, Oct. 13, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Arthur’s Supper Club, E4885 U.S. Hwy. 14, Spring Green.
The event is hosted by the Richland and Sauk County Chapters of Wisconsin Right to Life and is open to all supporters of Wisconsin Right to Life and a “culture of life.”
Keynote talk
“We will discuss euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide, explaining the growing prevalence of them the world over, including in the United States,” said Dr. Caitlyn Trader, keynote speaker for the event.
Her presentation, “The Pro-Life Response to the Deadly Ideology of Euthanasia,” will explore the reasons why people choose physician-assisted suicide and articulate a response that respects the dignity of life.
She noted, “The word compassion literally means ‘to suffer with’.
“Rather than encouraging people to choose physician-assisted suicide, we are called to offer true compassion and ‘to suffer with’ those who suffer, reminding them that they are never alone, no matter how depressed they may feel. A goal of the presentation is thus to remind people that there is always hope and goodness to be found in life, even through life’s difficulties.”
She indicated that through her studies in bioethics and theology, her desire to proclaim the beauty of life from conception to natural death has increased.
Working within the field of bioethics and a pro-life organization combines this desire of teaching and caring for the vulnerable, including the sick and suffering.
Called to appreciate life
Dr. Trader shared that everyone, including Catholics, is called to cultivate a deeper appreciation for the dignity of life and to offer a compassionate response to those who may desire physician-assisted suicide.
“This response must balance both charity and truth, as expressed so beautifully in Catholic teaching throughout the ages. As Catholics, we have a beautiful tradition of upholding the dignity of life, a tradition that is founded in Scripture, proclaimed in the formal teachings of the Church, and practiced every day in the lives of so many of the faithful (for example, in Catholic healthcare).
“As mentioned, the Catholic Church has a rich tradition of defending life from the moment of conception to natural death, as expressed in Sacred Scripture and as passed down through the ages.
“Jesus teaches us, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life’ (John 14:6). Jesus desires to infuse us with his life, which means we must first embrace the gift of our physical lives. In every age and time, as followers of Jesus, we are always called to embrace the gift of our lives and the lives of others.
“The best way to defend life is to engage a culture of life amongst our loved ones and friends, supporting them through their joys, struggles, and sorrows.
“Sitting next to the bedside of a loved one is a beautiful way to express our love for others.
“As Catholics, we are called to learn about Church teaching, including Her teaching concerning life issues; through learning, we continue to grow in appreciation and love of the Faith.
“Thus, Catholics are urged to continue learning Church teaching and to share that teaching with others.
“Everyone is encouraged to ask the Lord how He wants them to share His teaching with others.
“Some may be called to teach, while others may be called to volunteer in their parish respect life committee or volunteer at a hospital, pro-life clinic, etc. All good work begins and ends with prayer, however, so never forget to pray!
“For those who may be restricted in mobility or unable to leave home due to age, illness, or other factors, the world needs your prayers! You offer a needed and wonderful service to the Church by praying for the Church and the world. Never underestimate the power of your prayers.”
Dr. Trader is the education fellow at Wisconsin Right to Life (WRTL), where she focuses on educational initiatives and outreach for those of all ages.
She holds a doctorate in sacred theology from the University of St. Mary of the Lake in Mundelein, Ill., as well as a licentiate in sacred theology from the same university.
She also holds a master of science in bioethics from the University of Mary in Bismarck, N.D.
In addition to WRTL, Dr. Trader is an adjunct professor in theology at Sacred Heart Seminary and School of Theology in Franklin, Wis., and at St. Joseph College of Maine (in its online program).
She is a member of the Catholic Medical Association. Most importantly, she has a passion for teaching and for ensuring that the dignity of life is embraced by those of all ages.
Dinner will include a buffet-style turkey dinner with all the trimmings.
Tickets are $20 per person and can be purchased by contacting Richard Braun at [email protected] or 608-495-6117.