Here's what you'll find in this week's update:
- Addressing Ethical Concerns Over COVID-19 Vaccines
- Update from Bishop Kemme
- Lectio Divina Aid
- Online Giving Portal
- Bulletin for this Weekend
ADDRESSING ETHICAL CONCERNS OVER
COVID-19 VACCINES
If the past two summers of Brewing the Faith have taught me anything, it’s that our parishioners desire to do what is right and just and holy, but sometimes the answer is not as black and white as we would like. A topic that comes up repeatedly is that of Medical Ethics, specifically the discussion of vaccinations created using the stem cells of aborted babies and if it is ethical to use them. So it should be of no surprise that in the midst of a pandemic where work is being done around the clock to create a vaccine for Covid-19, that we as Catholics are paying close attention to how those vaccinations are being made.
The Charlotte Lozier Institute of the Susan B. Anthony list, which is a pro-life lobbying organization, published an article assessing the ethics of each of the Covid-19 vaccines in development.
- There are 115 identified vaccines in various stages of development
- There are 22 different vaccine programs that have entered pre-clinical trial status, clinical trial status, or have received public funding.
- 5 of these vaccine programs use the adenovirus vaccine as part of their strategy, which use cells harvested from electively aborted fetuses making these vaccines controversial and the Charlotte Lozier Institute categorizes them as unethical.
- 17 of the vaccines have been labeled “Ethically Uncontroversial” which means their strategy does not use stem cells from aborted fetuses.
- The two successful vaccine studies that have been released so far are coming from the group of 17 ethical strands.
Information was taken from: https://lozierinstitute.org/an-ethics-assessment-of-covid-19-vaccine-programs/
In Him, through her,
In Him, through her,
Cassi FitzGerald
UPDATE FROM BISHOP KEMME
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Since we are now experiencing an alarming surge in positive COVID 19 testing throughout the diocese and beyond and to avoid the possibility of canceling Masses and other events in those parishes severely affected, I wanted to communicate once again to the faithful of the Diocese of Wichita my sincere request and recommendation that all who are able, to wear a facial mask while in attendance at the celebrations of the Mass and other events in our parishes and chapels. As I stated in my letter of July 6, 2020, “we must all continue to do our part to assist in reducing the spread of this potentially deadly virus.” The wearing of a mask is one simple way we can not only protect ourselves but also demonstrate our concern for the health and wellbeing of those around us. Please wear a mask! I also expect all our parishes and chapels to abide by the guidelines and restrictions which can be found on the diocesan website, especially the protocol for social distancing. Let us continue to pray for an end to this pandemic, for the sick and those who care for them. I pledge to all of you my abiding prayers and am grateful for yours in return.
Bishop Carl A. Kemme
LECTIO DIVINA AID
Matthew 25:31-46
ACT OF SPIRITUAL COMMUNION
My Jesus,
I believe that You are present in the Most Holy Sacrament.
I love You above all things,
and I desire to receive You into my soul.
Since I cannot at this moment receive You sacramentally,
come at least spiritually into my heart.
I embrace You as if You were already there
and unite myself wholly to You.
Never permit me to be separated from You.
I believe that You are present in the Most Holy Sacrament.
I love You above all things,
and I desire to receive You into my soul.
Since I cannot at this moment receive You sacramentally,
come at least spiritually into my heart.
I embrace You as if You were already there
and unite myself wholly to You.
Never permit me to be separated from You.
Amen.