Clinical and Ethics Resources

Catholic doctors, nurses and other health care professionals are called to integrate their faith with their vocations “to serve our patients and communities with humility, skill, truth, and mercy.”

Members of our St. John Neumann Guild have compiled the following list of resources, with links to national experts, ethicists, practicing clinicians, theologians, and leaders offering practical guidance for family life, wellbeing and a deeper spirituality.

Ethics

National Catholic Bioethics Center

NCBCenter.org

Guild members have subscription access to National Catholic Bioethics Center (NCBC) publications on many topics, the Ethics & Medics newsletter, bi-weekly newsletter updates, and individual consultation with a staff ethicist when necessary.

Email President@NeumannGuild.org to obtain the username and password to access this great resource.

Overview of Catholic Social Teaching

Catholic Medical Association Linacre Quarterly

The Linacre Quarterly

The Linacre Quarterly is the oldest journal dedicated to medical ethics in existence. This peer-reviewed publication explores issues at the nexus of medicine and religion and highlights medical topics that have an ethical dimension. Access to some articles require membership in the national Catholic Medical Association.

Professionalism and Wellbeing for Catholic Health Professionals

Messy Family Project

MessyFamilyProject.org

@MessyFamilyProject on YouTube

The Messy Family Project works to empower parents to embrace their sacred calling by inspiring them to build robust Catholic families, providing the resources and encouragement needed for the journey of family life.

Challenging Clinical Conditions

Chronic Pain

Dedeli O, Kaptan G, “Spirituality and Religion in Pain and Pain Management.

Health Psychol Res. 2013;1(3):e29. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4768565/

Chronic Pain

Pain Management Best Practices Inter-Agency Task Force Report, US Dept of HHS,

https://www.hhs.gov/opioids/prevention/pain-management-options/index.html

Chronic Pain

Wang J, Doan LV. Clinical pain management: Current practice and recent innovations in research. Cell Rep Med. 2024;5(10):101786.

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11513809/

Advance Directives/Palliative Care/Hospice/Assisted Suicide

A Catholic Perspective on End-of-Life Care,” Joseph Meaney, NCBC

https://www.ncbcenter.org/messages-from-presidents/catholicperspective

Advance Directives/Palliative Care/Hospice/Assisted Suicide

Assisted Suicide & Euthanasia Resource page, USCCB Church documents, Fact Sheets, articles and videos

https://www.usccb.org/prolife/assisted-suicide-euthanasia

Gender dysphoria/ LGBT

Gender dysphoria/ LGBT

Desert Stream/Living Waters Mission Statement: “Based on Jesus’ mercy and the dignity of men and women made in God’s image, we equip Christians to gather in pursuit of radical wholeness.”

https://www.desertstream.org/

Unintended or “crisis” pregnancy

“10 Ways to Support Her When She’s Unexpectedly Expecting,” (author’s identity protected),

USCCB.org

Trauma, Addiction & Behavioral Health Support

“How to be Trauma Informed and Why it’s absolutely necessary,” by Abby Albrinck (review article),

https://www.theyoungcatholicwoman.com/archivescollection/how-to-be-trauma-informed-and-why-its-absolutely-necessary

Trauma, Addiction & Behavioral Health Support

Catholic in Recovery: https://catholicinrecovery.com/about/

Catholic in Recovery seeks to serve those suffering from addictions and unhealthy attachments (including alcoholism, drug addiction, pornography addiction, sex and relationship addiction, compulsive overeating and food addictions, gambling addiction, codependency and the impact on family, and general fear, control, and anxiety). We support parishes and communities with group resources that draw people closer to these two powerful sources of grace.

Trauma, Addiction & Behavioral Health Support

International Association of Catholic Mental Health Ministers: list of helpful organizations

https://catholicmhm.org/helpful-organizations

Suffering

Making Sense out of Suffering by Peter Kreeft: This book is for anyone who has ever wept and wondered, “Why?” Peter Kreeft observes that our world is full of billions of normal lives that have been touched by apparently pointless and random suffering. Helpful if you are hungry for insight into the mystery of suffering. Available through

DynamicCatholic.com

Advance Directives/Palliative Care/Hospice/Assisted Suicide

Advance Directives and End-of-Life Health Care Forms, NCBC,

https://www.ncbcenter.org/endoflifeforms-english

Advance Directives/Palliative Care/Hospice/Assisted Suicide

National Catholic Bioethics Center Catholic Guide to Palliative Care and Hospice

https://www.ncbcenter.org/store/catholic-guide-to-palliative-care-and-hospiceenglishpdf-download

Gender dysphoria/ LGBT

Gender dysphoria/ LGBT

“Same-Sex Attraction & Finding Purpose | Fr. Philip Bochanski,”

YouTube video

 

Unintended or “crisis” pregnancy

Trauma, Addiction & Behavioral Health Support

Living Scripture Institute: www.livingscriptureinstitute.org

Living Scripture Institute offers three healing programs, Rachel’s Vineyard™, Grief to Grace™, and Duty to Heal™. All three ministries are solidly based on sound psychological and spiritual principles to provide hope, love, and healing to people who suffer from post-traumatic stress.

Trauma, Addiction & Behavioral Health Support

“Addictions: A Pastoral Approach for the Catholic Spiritual Director and Confessor,” by Fr. Pinnizotto, Homiletic & Pastoral Review,

https://www.hprweb.com/2021/03/addictions-a-pastoral-approach-for-the-catholic-spiritual-director-and-confessor/

Trauma, Addiction & Behavioral Health Support

Mazzeo S et al, “Mitigating Harms of Social Media for Adolescent Body Image and Eating Disorders: A Review.” Psychol Res Behav Manag. 2024;17:2587-2601

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11229793/

Trauma, Addiction & Behavioral Health Support

Mazzeo S et al, “Mitigating Harms of Social Media for Adolescent Body Image and Eating Disorders: A Review.” Psychol Res Behav Manag. 2024;17:2587-2601

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11229793/

Human Sexuality and Reproductive Issues

St. John Paul II, Overview of Love & Responsibility,

St. John Paul II, Overview of Love & Responsibility,

https://www.jp2.info/JP2_on_Love-Responsibility.pdf

Encyclical Humanae Vitae

Encyclical Humanae Vitae (On the Regulation of Birth), St. Paul VI (1968),

https://www.vatican.va/content/paul-vi/en/encyclicals/documents/hf_p-vi_enc_25071968_humanae-vitae.html

and Humanae Vitae at 50: a series of reflections, The Catholic Free Press,

https://catholicfreepress.org/humanae-vitae-at-50

FactsAboutFertility

FactsAboutFertility, www.factsaboutfertililty.org

Evidence-based educational resources for patients and clinicians. Offers CME courses and medical electives for medical students and residents in training. Mission: FACTS Aims to educate our Colleagues about fertility awareness and restorative reproductive medicine so we may engage and empower our patients.

Poor Prenatal Diagnoses Support: Lily’s Gift

Poor Prenatal Diagnoses Support: Lily’s Gift:

https://opdarchphilly.org/prenatal-diagnosis-support-peer-ministry/

Suffering

“Asking Christopher West 10 Questions about Sex | Ep. 440”

YouTube video

What is Restorative Reproductive Medicine?

Miscarriage and Infant Loss,

Leadership Development

Developing the Leader Within You 2.0

Developing the Leader Within You 2.0 by John Maxwell, The book emphasizes that leadership is not about position but about developing qualities like integrity, vision, self-discipline, and the ability to empower others. Maxwell provides practical tools, real-life examples, and new insights from his decades of experience to help readers unlock their leadership potential and effect positive change. Available at Walmart, Thriftbooks, Amazon.

Patrick Lencioni

Patrick Lencioni is a Catholic and author of seven best-selling business books. His writings are a collection of leadership fables and practical guides that explore organizational health, teamwork, and leadership development, with his most famous work being The Five Dysfunctions of a Team, which has been on the Wall St. Journal best-seller list for more than seven years. Other key books include The Advantage, which argues organizational health is paramount for business success, and The 6 Types of Working Genius, a framework for understanding and leveraging individual talents.

Continuing Ethics & Religious Education for Catholic Health Care Professionals

The National Catholic Certification Program

The National Catholic Certification Program in Health Care Ethics is a 30 week (nine month) immersive study in Catholic bioethics designed for busy professionals. It educates students on foundational principles and teachings of the Church’s moral tradition and prepares them to apply these principles and teachings in health care contexts.

https://www.ncbcenter.org/certification-program

Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary School of Theological Studies

Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary School of Theological Studies. Whether you are searching for a solidly Catholic graduate program, or simply wanting some adult faith formation, the School of Theological Studies has a wide range of programming to fit your needs.

https://www.scs.edu/sts/

A Catechism of Health Care

A Catechism of Health Care by John Travaline and Stephen Napier presents the teachings of the Catholic Church as they pertain to ethical issues arising in the healthcare and biomedical sciences.

https://www.cuapress.org/9780813238340/a-catechism-for-health-care/

Master of Science in Bioethics, University of Mary

Master of Science in Bioethics, University of Mary: The bioethics program will provide you with an ethical framework — and the ability to apply that framework — to fields including medicine, law, business, and public affairs. Through a strong partnership with the National Catholic Bioethics Center (NCBC), you have two options for earning your master’s degree — by building on your NCBC certification through our partnership or pursuing the full-length MS in Bioethics degree through the University of Mary.

https://online.umary.edu/academics/masters-doctoral-programs/master-science-bioethics

John Travaline MD, Catholic Deacon, Medical Doctor, Author, Lecturer

John Travaline MD, Catholic Deacon, Medical Doctor, Author, Lecturer JohnMTravaline.com. Excellent content on Faith & Medicine, Identity and Mission, Catechesis, Medical Ethics, and Homilies

The Spiritual and Corporal Works of Mercy and Catholic Social Teaching

Catholic Social Services (CSS)/Archdiocese of Philadelphia

Catholic Social Services (CSS)/Archdiocese of Philadelphia: https://ccphila.org/

This organization offers a wide range of assistance for individuals, families, and communities in need. CSS is organized into the following divisions:
Community-based programs:

  • Emergency food and shelter: Providing assistance for people experiencing food insecurity and homelessness.
  • Family service centers: Local centers that offer a variety of supportive programs tailored to the needs of the surrounding community.
  • Immigrant and refugee services: Support for newly arrived immigrants and refugees to help them integrate into their new home.
  • Older adult services: Programs for senior citizens that promote their well-being and independence.

Housing services:

  • Catholic Housing and Community Services (CHCS): This division focuses on providing affordable housing options and support services for seniors and other vulnerable populations.

Specialized ministries:

  • Services for people with disabilities: The Office for Persons with Disabilities (OPD) is committed to following the mandates of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
  • Safe environment initiatives: The Office for Child and Youth Protection provides resources and training to ensure the safety of children and young people.

Office for Life and Family/Archdiocese of Philadelphia

Office for Life and Family/Archdiocese of Philadelphia: www.phillycatholiclife.org