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Some of you have expressed concerns about the coronavirus vaccine. Fr. Brendan Dawson is the head of our COVID-19 Safety Team, charged with keeping our parish in compliance with all of the coronavirus precautions. The members of the Holy Spirit Parish COVID-19 Safety Team are: Fr. Brendan Dawson, leader, Pastoral Team; Deacon John Carran, Pastoral Team; Marla Brown, Pastoral Council; Dr. Joseph E. Ross, Healthcare Professional; Dr. Sheila Burick, Healthcare Professional; Rose Butch, Maintenance Team; and Susan Dexter, Communications Team.
The following text is Fr. Brendan’s explanation concerning the moral questions surrounding the vaccine: “As the priests of Holy Spirit Parish, we would like to speak about the COVID-19 vaccine. The year 2021 brings with it the hope and good news that COVID-19 vaccines are becoming more available. The relief that this fact brings may, however, be tempered by a moral concern that the vaccines promising a return to safety and life were created with some connection to death,
namely the use of tissue from aborted fetuses. For this reason, many Catholics and others are pausing to contemplate the morality of receiving the vaccine. It is very appropriate for Catholics to seek clarity from the Church on such issues. On the Holy Spirit Parish website there’s a link to a document entitled “Moral Considerations Regarding the New COVID-19 Vaccines” put out by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB)
(available at https://www.usccb.org/moral-considerations-covid-vaccines.)
In this document, the Bishops repeat the eternal teaching that all life is sacred and that abortion is always a moral evil. They also acknowledge that while the COVID-19 vaccines may, regrettably, have some connection (albeit very remote) to aborted fetal tissue, there are no available alternatives at this time. The COVID-19 pandemic poses a grave threat to health and safety, making the vaccine a necessity. Thus, a Catholic may receive the vaccine that becomes available to him or her and is encouraged to receive it as soon as possible. It is NOT a sin nor a cooperation in evil for a Catholic to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
Pope Francis and Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI were both vaccinated with it recently. The Catholic Church has not taken a stance on the efficacy of the vaccine, but expresses hope in the possibilities it brings. It’s important to remember also that not every person is able to receive a vaccine because of their health conditions, allergy to it, etc. These people rely on the majority of people being vaccinated to ensure that the virus does not spread (“herd immunity”). It’s always the sign of faith to pause and consider the Church’s position on an issue. Please be at peace knowing the position taken on the new COVID-19 vaccines.”
Also, Fr. Anthony Sciarappa advised, “The priest I podcast with (Father Harrison Ayre) published this article on the vaccine:
https://www.osvnews.com/2020/11/24/with-a-clear-conscience-catholics-can-receive-a-covid-19-vaccine/
God love you,
