Flocknote

Reviewing the recent headlines, those in the area of COVID resurgence are disturbing indeed. In the past I have explained the moral issues surrounding the various vaccines and the Church's position (please see https://churchofthevisitation.flocknote.com/everyone/note/11979018 and https://churchofthevisitation.flocknote.com/everyone/note/11272620 for more information). I also appreciate and respect the individual's position to decide for themselves (this is why the priests, deacons and Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion continue to wear masks during the distribution of Holy Communion). However, I think it important to consider all aspects when making such a decision.

I'm sure that many remember the signs that greeted people as the entered the church when public Masses could resume while restrictions were still in place:

Although facemasks are no longer required (although highly recommended for those not fully vaccinated), the Scripture verse at the beginning still applies - perhaps now more than ever. Of course, we want to protect ourselves, but to do that we also must rely upon the actions of those around us. That consideration of others should also be included in decisions we make. Very few of our decisions and actions affect us alone; we live in relation to others and should keep that in mind when we plan.

Of course, it is important to know as much as possible and to make an informed decision. With this in mind I would like to forward the following - hopefully it will help to make that informed decision.

From nj.gov (https://covid19.nj.gov/faqs/nj-information/testing-and-treatment/which-covid-19-vaccine-should-i-get-are-covid-19-vaccines-safe-and-effective-how-were-they-tested-and-approved?)

Know the facts about COVID-19 vaccines

Everything we do — whether it’s driving down the street or what we eat and drink — requires weighing risks and benefits, so we can protect ourselves, our loved ones, and our community.

We know car crashes happen all the time, yet we still get behind the wheel. But that’s why we buckle up and put our kids in car seats, so we can minimize the risks.

When it comes to COVID-19, wearing masks, washing our hands, and getting the vaccine are just like wearing a seat belt or using a car seat for kids: they are all actions we can take to protect ourselves. It’s all about considering risks, benefits — and ultimately taking action.

If you’re looking for a safe, effective way to protect yourself and your loved ones from the dangerous effects of COVID-19, getting vaccinated is the answer. To get your COVID-19 vaccine, make an appointment or attend a pop-up or mobile vaccination event in your community.

It’s ok to have questions about the COVID-19 vaccine. Whether it’s for you or a loved one, here’s some information about the vaccines:

COVID-19 vaccines are safe and nearly 100% effective at preventing death or hospitalization from COVID-19. (On the other hand — getting COVID-19 can cause serious illness or death. Almost 600,000 Americans have passed from COVID-19, and an estimated 3.3 million Americans will have long term effects from it.)
Millions of people have received COVID-19 vaccines under the most intense safety monitoring in U.S. history. And more than 100,000 people from different backgrounds and ethnicities participated in the vaccine trials.
Although the COVID-19 vaccines themselves are new, scientists have been working on the technology used in these COVID-19 vaccines for two decades. So the COVID-19 vaccines are new, since COVID-19 is a novel virus never seen in the world before — but anyone who has ever worked on a long term problem at work can raise a glass to the scientists who helped get us here.

Sunday 9AM Live-stream Mass

Although the dispensation from Sunday Mass has ended, we will continue to offer live streamed Mass on Sundays at 9AM for those unable to come to church due to illness, infirmity or distance.
Please note that outdoor Communion following this Mass will no longer be offered due to diocesan decree.
See this weekend's Mass on YouTube at https://youtu.be/c1kzLk7CDlU