Last week, Bishop Zubik provided some information on a number of topics of current interest, and I’d like to share them with you.
RELIGIOUS EXEMPTIONS FROM COVID-19 VACCINES
Bishop Zubik writes, “recently there has been an increase of requests to many parishes and in my office for letters to assist those seeking a religious exemption from receiving a COVID vaccine.
“The Holy Father himself has strongly encouraged vaccines and has held vaccination clinics at the Vatican. Pope Francis has gone as far as to say that being vaccinated is an act of love. Because the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith has said it is morally acceptable to receive the FDA approved vaccines, as Church we support that interpretation and at the same time are not in the position to affirm any exemption from receiving the vaccination as a religious exemption.
“An individual may have objections based on his or her personal conscience. But this is not a matter of a religious belief but rather of one’s own conscience.
“Once again, neither the diocese nor any of its parishes is in a position to provide any written or verbal support for anyone seeking an exemption from the vaccine based on religious grounds.
In alignment with Pope Francis, I strongly recommend that Catholics should receive COVID-19 vaccines unless a medical reason prevents them from doing so.”
CATHOLIC SCHOOL MASSES AND MASKING
Bishop Zubik reminds us that the Catholic Schools Office has implemented a policy of mandatory masking as part of its COVID protocol for the start of the school year. Naturally, then, this policy extends to participation at school Masses.
Our school, Divine Mercy Academy, will participate in parish liturgies each Wednesday at 9:30am at St Bernadette church. At these Masses, the entire school community will wear masks. In addition, Bishop Zubik asks that we strongly encourage Mass-goers to our Wednesday morning liturgies to wear a mask, out of care and concern for our school students. Bishop Zubik asks that we keep in mind that “our school children are a high-risk, vulnerable population for COVID-19 due to their ineligibility to receive a vaccine.” We’re thrilled to resume the celebration of Masses at which we welcome our parish and school communities together, and we want to provide this opportunity in a way that’s safe for members of both communities!
FETAL RESEARCH AND EXPERIMENTATION AT THE UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH
Bishop Zubik states that he has “been engaged in conversations for the past several months with high ranking officials” at the University of Pittsburgh “addressing our very serious concerns and our unquestionable opposition to abortion and research that uses fetal tissue obtained through abortions to assist fetal research.” In addition, he states that he was been “in conversation with others who agree with our position against such research and are raising questions about funding that supports this disturbing research.”
Bishop Zubik has released the following statement:
It has recently come to my attention that the University of Pittsburgh Medical School has for some time been using the bodies of aborted babies for medical research. This information is a matter of grave concern. From the perspective of the Church, this is a gross violation of human rights. This practice epitomizes the exploitation of human beings, valued not for their intrinsic worth but as parts for gain. Opposition to these medical experiments on helpless babies should transcend every political affiliation and every faith tradition.
While some might defend the practice of using aborted fetal tissue in science as bringing about good, with this practice the most fundamental ethical norm undergirding all efforts for human betterment—the dignity, sanctity and infinite worth of all human beings—is being violated. The foundation of a just and free society is the recognition that every human being has value and is the bearer of rights, regardless of strength, ability or origin. This foundational belief must also and always be the very inspiration for scientific advancement and the compass guiding science to true progress.
The medical community, together with the scientific and academic communities, must honor the pledge to “First, do no harm.”
If you have any questions or comments regarding Bishop Zubik’s announcements, please share them with me at Fr.Larry@cdsmph.org or by phone at 412-373-0050 x135.
Please continue to support both our school and our parish through your prayers and generosity! Christ the Divine Shepherd, have mercy on us! St Bartholomew, St Bernadette, St Gerard Majella, St John de Brebeuf and companions (the North American martyrs), St Michael, and St Susanna, pray for us!
Blessings,
Fr Larry
