Friday Flash
September 3, 2021
SHOULD A CATHOLIC RECEIVE OR NOT RECEIVE THE VACCINE?
Dear Friends, as we continue to navigate around the ever-evolving challenges of the pandemic with new variants and infections and increasing deaths reported, we to continue to be guided by our bishop and CDC on how to remain safe and prudent in our interaction with each other as we come to worship. This has become always necessary because of the divergent and often polarizing and strong views on the use masks in Church and other premises, social distancing, vaccinations and so forth. Here in our parish, we are clear that we strongly encourage use of all recommended safety protocols, but we do not mandate it.
One of the most frequent requests I have been receiving lately was for letters of exemption from vaccination as demanded for by employers. First of all, I do not have any legal authority to provide such a letter even if I would have loved to from my pastoral perspective. However, thankfully, to provide clarity and guidance on this question, bishop Olmsted provided a letter to all his faithful in the diocese regarding COVID-19 Vaccinations and individual decisions based on a well-formed conscience.
In this letter, he referenced a letter he issued last year in December 2020 in which he stated:
“Due to the serious nature of the pandemic, Catholics should prayerfully consider getting vaccinated and consult their physicians or health care providers for personalized medical information.”
“Due to the serious nature of the pandemic, Catholics should prayerfully consider getting vaccinated and consult their physicians or health care providers for personalized medical information.”
He went on to reiterate that this guidance was given in concurrence with moral and scientific guidance of the Congregation of the Doctrine of Faith, the National Catholic Bioethics Center, and the Charlotte Lozier Institute which indicate that it is morally acceptable for a Catholic to receive certain vaccines. This message is consistent with guidance given by the Holy See and the
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. As Bishop of a diverse flock with the care of many souls, the bishop therefore, continues to encourage the prayerful consideration that everyone must make regarding receiving the vaccine. For those who have discerned to receive one, they can be assured that they can do so
in good conscience. For those who have discerned not to receive one, they too can do so in good conscience. What is primary for us as individuals is to form our conscience through the teachings of the Church.
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. As Bishop of a diverse flock with the care of many souls, the bishop therefore, continues to encourage the prayerful consideration that everyone must make regarding receiving the vaccine. For those who have discerned to receive one, they can be assured that they can do so
in good conscience. For those who have discerned not to receive one, they too can do so in good conscience. What is primary for us as individuals is to form our conscience through the teachings of the Church.
He quotes the Catholic Catechism which states: “In all he says and does, man is obliged to follow faithfully what he knows to be just and right. It is by the judgment of his conscience that man perceives and recognizes the prescriptions of the divine law: ‘Conscience is a law of the mind; yet [Christians] would not grant that it is nothing more; . . . [Conscience] is a messenger of him, who, both in nature and in grace, speaks to us behind a veil, and teaches and rules us by his representatives. Conscience is the aboriginal Vicar of Christ.’” (CCC 1778) Regarding whether pastors should grant letters of exemption from vaccination, bishop agrees with me that, it is employers who grant exemptions, not pastors. What we as the Church do is assist in forming the conscience and supporting the decision made by a conscience well formed. Employers and other institutions may require vaccination, but we support them reviewing and extending exemptions for personal religious reasons of conscience.
To read the full text of the bishop’s letter from which I took the excepts above, please click HERE.
St. Andrew, I love you and please, be safe, healthy, and holy.
-Fr. Robert
St. Mother Teresa: Meal and Movie
Sunday, Sept. 5 at 3pm
Delicious food, movie and great conversation.
RSVP at happilyeverafter@standrewchandler.com
Yesterday's Kids meeting will be Monday, September 6 at 12:00pm in Hennessey Hall.
It will be "Bring Your Own Lunch". Dessert & beverages will be served.
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3450 W. Ray Rd. Chandler, AZ 85226 | 480-899-1990 church@standrewchandler.com
Upcoming Mass Intentions
September 3
8:30am | Lisa Kottler
September 4
8:30am | Vincente Tran
5:00pm | Austin Valdez
September 5
7:00am | +Inge Kohl
10:00am | +Christopher Merchant
2:00pm | +Martin Olah
September 6
8:30am | Hedi Liepe
September 7
8:30am | +Edward Geiger
September 8
8:30am | +Christine Geiger
6:30pm | +Franceso Galina
September 9
8:30am | +Fr. Paul Mensah