NJ has opened up vaccinations to those over 65.  See the list of prioritized groups here.  You can register for the vaccine at https://covidvaccine.nj.gov/.  It seems that appointments are currently full.  Visit https://www.ochd.org/ for updates.

     Bishop O'Connell has been vaccinated.  He is encouraging priests to get vaccinated, especially those of us who go into hospitals and nursing homes.

     I am not yet rushing to get vaccinated because I may have already had the coronavirus, my sisters had mild cases, and I'm in excellent health.  I was planning to get the vaccine around March.  I may go sooner if it seems prudent.  I'm trying to figure out how best to keep everyone safe.

     From what I'm reading and hearing, the experience of fatigue is common, especially after the second dose.  It makes sense because the vaccine is prompting the body to make antibodies.  So, I recommend getting the vaccine on a day when you know you can rest for 24 hours if needed.

     If you have any medical doubts about getting the vaccine, then ask your doctor.

     Visit https://dioceseoftrenton.org/coronavirus for "Moral Guidance Regarding Vaccines and COVID-19".  The Charlotte Lozier Institute is maintaining a webpage here on relationships between vaccines and abortion-derived cell lines.  The two vaccines currently available to us are from Moderna and Pfizer.  Neither was manufactured from abortion-derived cell lines.  Some tests for both did involve abortion-derived cell lines.  Because of the remote connection and the proportionate benefit of the vaccines, we can receive them in good conscience.  It would also be good for us to contact these companies to voice our encouragement for them to disassociate from the abortion-derived cell lines.

     Updated pandemic directives allow us to hand out calendars and bulletins.  This weekend, our ushers will sanitize their hands (and wear gloves for the next couple weeks) before handing out calendars and bulletins at the conclusion of Mass.  They will be stationed by the canopy entrance and the parish hall kitchen.

     Any remaining poinsettias by the parish hall kitchen are free to be taken.

     You can access the 1/17 bulletin here.  So, you won't have to receive a printed copy this weekend.

     Today is Friday, a day for us to pray for one another's intentions.

1)  For everyone receiving the coronavirus vaccine.

2)  For an end to abortion through the intercession of St. Joseph.

3)  For greater unity in our country.

4)  For healthcare workers as coronavirus hospitalizations peak.

5)  For all those undergoing surgery in the near future.

God love you,

Fr. Jim