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Lydia wrote:

Hi, guys —

Can a Catholic be an organ donor?

Lydia

  { Can a Catholic be an organ donor? }

John replied:

Hi, Lydia —

Catholics may donate their organs as well as their pianos, guitars, and trumpets  : )

Sorry I couldn't resist the bad pun, but, Yes, it is considered an act of charity to donate one's organs.

Nevertheless, there is a certain amount of dignity that we must reserve for the body of the deceased, so while the organs can be donated, the body should still receive a funeral Mass, and the remains that are not donated, should be treated with proper reverence.

That would mean a proper burial or cremation (without the ashes being scattered).

John

Mary Ann replied:

Lydia —

We are allowed to donate organs while living, if the donation does not do us serious harm.

For instance, one can donate a kidney:

  • assuming one's other kidney is healthy
  • assuming that the recipient will get a true and lasting benefit, and
  • assuming that one's state in life permits it.
    (e.g. a young wife and mother probably ought not to make such a donation.)

Mary Ann

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