REGARDING REQUESTS FOR EXEMPTION FROM MANDATED COVID-19 VACCINATION BASED ON RELIGIOUS BELIEFS

REGARDING REQUESTS FOR EXEMPTION FROM MANDATED COVID-19 VACCINATION BASED ON RELIGIOUS BELIEFS

Because the church leadership has encouraged the faithful to receive the vaccine “for the greater good”, we cannot issue exemption letters. The only thing we can do is issue a letter which refers to the church’s teaching regarding choices that are made from an “informed conscience”.

In the articles below, the Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches the following regarding conscience:

1783 Conscience must be informed and moral judgment enlightened. A well-formed conscience is upright and truthful. It formulates judgments according to reason, in conformity with the true good willed by the wisdom of the Creator. The education of conscience is indispensable for human beings who are subjected to negative influences and tempted by sin to prefer their own judgment and to reject authoritative teachings.

1786 Faced with a moral choice, conscience can make either a right judgment in accordance with reason and the divine law or, on the contrary, an erroneous judgment that departs from them.

1787 Man is sometimes confronted by situations that can make moral judgments less assured and decision difficult. But he must always seriously seek what is right and good and discern the will of God expressed in divine law.

Cultivating an informed conscience is work of the mind and the heart. If taken seriously, it can be hard work indeed. It requires the same skills as those needed in a productive dialogue.

First, we acknowledge that we are entering into the process with certain leanings and biases. These might be due to our beliefs or preconceived notions of right and wrong in this specific situation. Or, they might be due to what we wish was right or wrong in this specific situation.

Second, we listen. We seek out the current voices in the dialogue. Catholics look to scripture and the teaching of the Church. Where does the Church stand on this specific issue? And, more importantly, what reasoning is used to support this stand? Why is this the truth that I`m supposed to believe? If it is a controversial issue, what makes it controversial? What are other voices saying? What is their reasoning?

Thirdly, we bring our own voice and experience into the dialogue. How does this truth relate to my own experience? Can I embrace this truth in its entirety, not at all, or is there a large grey area that remains unanswered?

Finally, we must face the task of discerning what is right for us. Discernment requires balancing the head and the heart. And, yes, the gut too! Seeking wisdom in prayer allows for the voice of God to have an all- important vote in the process.

All of this being said, I understand the magnitude of the decisions you are facing and the consequences that may come of them. If you would like help cultivating your informed conscience based on the teachings of the church, I myself, Fr. Rigo, Fr. Jim, Deacon Dave or Deacon Neil will be happy to meet with you. Our contact information can be found on the parish website or bulletin.

May God continue to bless you in your discernment and faith journey. ~Fr. Steve