For a copy of the Well-Being Committee's document "COVID-19 Educational and Informational Recourses," please click on the logo above.
USCCB VACCINES COVID-19 STATEMENT
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
3211 FOURTH STREET, N. E. WASHINGTON, D.C. 20017-1194 202-541-3015
U.S. Bishop Chairmen for Pro-Life and Doctrine Address
Ethical Concerns on the New COVID-19 Vaccines
WASHINGTON– On December 14, Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades of Fort Wayne-South Bend, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee on Doctrine, and Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann of Kansas City in Kansas, chairman of the USCCB’s Committee on Pro-Life Activities, issued a statement on the new COVID-19 vaccines. In their statement, the bishops address the moral concerns raised by the fact that the three vaccines that appear to be ready for distribution in the United States all have some connection to cell lines that originated with tissue taken from abortions.
With regard to the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, they concluded:
“In view of the gravity of the current pandemic and the lack of availability of alternative vaccines, the reasons to accept the new COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna are sufficiently serious to justify their use, despite their remote connection to morally compromised cell lines.
“Receiving one of the COVID-19 vaccines ought to be understood as an act of charity toward the other members of our community. In this way, being vaccinated safely against COVID-19 should be considered an act of love of our neighbor and part of our moral responsibility for the common good.”
With regard to the AstraZeneca vaccine, the bishops found it to be “more morally compromised” and consequently concluded that this vaccine “should be avoided” if there are alternatives available. “It may turn out, however, that one does not really have a choice of vaccine, at least, not without a lengthy delay in immunization that may have serious consequences for one’s health and the health of others,” the bishop chairmen stated. “In such a case … it would be permissible to accept the AstraZeneca vaccine.”
At the same time, the bishops also warned that Catholics “must be on guard so that the new COVID-19 vaccines do not desensitize us or weaken our determination to oppose the evil of abortion itself and the subsequent use of fetal cells in research.”
The full statement from the bishop chairmen may be found at https://www.usccb.org/moral-considerations-covid-vaccines
St. Margaret Mary Parish Virtual Pilgrimage
Welcome to the St. Margaret Mary Virtual Pilgrimage from our church to the National Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help. During this time when Covid-19 has kept most of us close to home, perhaps feeling disconnected from this faith community, from family and friends may the time spent on this virtual or in-person journey be enriching. There are 10 amazing sites to visit taking you on a 117 mile round trip through parts of the Diocese of Green Bay. You may virtually visit the sites through their websites or online searches. If you choose to visit sites in-person please check with that location for their openness to visitors at this time. We invite you and your family to use this Pilgrim Journal by printing it at home, some will be available in the gathering space at church. The journal is filled with tidbits about each site, links to their websites, images and prayers to aid in your reflection on this spiritual journey. Please share your progress, reflections and insights via the St. Margaret Mary Facebook page and watch for updates as the pilgrimage goes along. The pilgrimage is a collaborative effort with the Director of Discipleship Training & Family Ministry and St. Margaret Mary Well-Being and Faith Enrichment Committees. For more information please contact Ellen in parish office at 729-4560 or email [email protected].
Articles of Interest to Read:
* Samaritan Counseling NOVEMBER 2020 Newsletter
* Managing Life at Home During the COVID-19 Outbreak
* Working Remotely during COVID-19
For a comprehensive resource for locating professional services related to mental health and substance use concerns, please visit the N.E.W. Mental Health Connection by clicking on the logo below.
