To Vaccinate or Not to Vaccinate?
February 23, 2021
May our time in the desert bring us closer to the image of Christ
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
To vaccinate or not to vaccinate? - that is the question. Our Church, much like our society, is split when it comes to the question above. Of course, the one unifying component that we all share (or at least, should share) is that we do not want abortion to be part of the equation of any vaccine that goes into our bodies; yet, we are all aware that this heinous crime, which cries to heaven for vengeance, has unfortunately too often become a part of medical science when it comes to making vaccines. So, what are we as Catholics to do? The Holy Father and our American Bishops (USCCB) have told us that we may, in good conscience, accept this vaccine. However, if one refuses to take the vaccine on the basis of use of (aborted) fetal stem cells either in the vaccine or in the testing & development of the vaccine, that person is definitely within his right to do so. There are many Catholics who say that even though the vaccine is deemed to be licit, it offends their conscience because even if the connection to an aborted baby is remote, abortion is an evil that transcends everything, and thus, they will not receive it. Our parish is a microcosm of our church and society. We must respect the choices that our fellow parishioners make without judgement or prejudice. I am also sharing information regarding the five vaccines that are currently in use or soon to be available for use, and the use of (aborted) fetal cells and their level of remoteness to the vaccine. I think that this will be very helpful, for many of you have asked for this information.
Pfizer: Pfizer/BioNTech’s coronavirus/COVID vaccine known as “BNT162b2” was developed using genetic sequencing on computers without using fetal cells. The HEK-293 abortion-related cell line was used in the testing of this vaccine. This cell line originated from kidney cells from a fetus that was aborted in 1973. No cell line, fetal or otherwise, is required for the ongoing production of this vaccine. This vaccine is currently in use. The Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine requires “ultra-cold” storage, making distribution difficult. Currently, only hospitals and other large facilities are being considered as distribution locations for this vaccine.
Moderna: Moderna’s “mRNA-1273” vaccine does not require aborted fetal cell lines for production, but aborted fetal cell lines were used in the development and testing of this vaccine. This vaccine is currently in use. This vaccine does not require ultra-cold freezers, and hence is more available in primary care offices and community clinics.
AstroZenica: The AstroZenica/University of Oxford vaccine “AZD1222” does use the HEK-293 cell line for production. This cell line was also used in the development and testing of the vaccine. The AstroZenica vaccine is currently approved for use in the UK, India, and other countries but not the United States. The US probably will not approve this vaccine until April. It does not require ultra-cool storage and is also predicted to be less expensive than other COVID vaccines, two features that may make this vaccine more widely available.
Johnson & Johnson: The J&J/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine, “JNJ-78436735” does use the PER.c6 cell line for production. PER.c6 is a proprietary cell line owned by Janssen, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, developed from retinal cells from an 18-week-old fetus aborted in 1985. This vaccine will likely become available to the public in Spring or Summer, 2021. This is a single-dose vaccine, unlike other COVID vaccines which require 2 doses.
Sanofi/GlaxoSmithKline: The Sanofi/GSK “COVAX” vaccine does not require aborted fetal cell lines for production. GSK produces their vaccine using a modified virus cultivated on insect cells. This vaccine will likely become available to the public in Summer, 2021. The HEK-293 abortion-related cell line was used in the research and development of this vaccine. https://mycatholicdoctor.com/our-services/vaccines/
Announcements
The Knights of Columbus will hold a second Lenten Fish Fry at the Becker Center for “Drive Through” service on March 19, from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. It will be Take-Out Only. For $16.00 enjoy fish, french fries, coleslaw & ice cream! Tickets are available in the Parish Office, M-F, 9-4 and at the Bookstore/Gift Shop. Meals will also be available for purchase on site while the supply lasts.
The State has placed the responsibility on us of ensuring that the attendance of indoor Mass does not exceed 25% of capacity, therefore, we will secure the doors after capacity has been met. (Mass will be televised for those who don’t make it in before Mass begins - except for 6:45 a.m. Mass.) Since those who do the counting are attending the Mass as well and discontinue counting once Mass begins, we will secure the doors when Mass begins regardless of how many are in attendance.
Indoor Confessions: We have resumed having Confessions heard in the confessionals in the Cathedral. The normal Confession schedule is 3-4:30 p.m. every Saturday. Confessions will also be heard, once again, during most Masses. Confessionals contain a sanitizing ultra-violet light that is activated after each person leaves, so please remember to alternate use of each confessional.
Parish Finances in the Age of Covid
As you all know, these are hard times for all parishes in terms of finances. Even though we are “shut down,” the bills keep coming in and salaries have to be paid. For those of you who have been giving a little extra each week/month, I really appreciate your generosity. For those of you who are unable to come to Mass, please consider giving on-line or the good old-fashioned way, by mail. Thank you and God bless you. Learn more »
Fiscal Year to Date:
Income: $452,897
In the black: $36,282
Thank you for your generosity!!
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