Corpus Christi Parish

In view of the danger to public health, masks are strongly recommended for all persons in church.

In recent weeks, I have received correspondence from individuals both objecting to Governor Mills’ mandate requiring health care workers to receive a COVID-19 vaccine and asking the diocese for a “religious exemption” from doing so. 

I am of the opinion that the vaccine is an effective way to deal with a virulent virus which is causing great destruction. In this, I follow the moral guidance given by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith in 2005 in assessing that the moral good which comes from protecting us from this virus makes the use of these vaccines morally permissible. That teaching is repeated in the Notes published by the same Congregation on December 21, 2020. In that document, in No. 5, it states that “the morality of vaccination depends not only on the duty to protect one’s own health, but also on the duty to pursue the common good.” That common good “may recommend vaccination.” Three separate documents have been released by the Holy See that address the question of a cell line derived from a fetus being used in the development or testing of the vaccine. They conclude to the moral permissibility of those taking the vaccine. As such, I have no reason to take exception to Governor Mills’ mandate for health care workers. I conclude that receiving the COVID-19 vaccine does not violate Catholic moral teaching.

Following the examples of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI and Pope Francis, who have both taken the vaccine, I see the vaccine as a valuable aid. In fact, Pope Francis, as recently as August 21, urged people to get the vaccine as an act of care for the other. It needs to be pointed out, as well, that in Maine law there is no longer an allowance for philosophical or religious exemptions from vaccines, only medical exemptions. 

Catholics care about the common good, and the Gospel calls us to care for each other. Receiving a COVID-19 vaccine protects and preserves the dignity of many in need. Join me in continuing to pray for a swift end to the pandemic and the serious harm caused by this terrible virus.