Naming Suggestions for New Parish
As we published in last week's bulletin, all parishioners have the opportunity to submit feedback on the potential name for our new parish -- eight names remain as possibilities.
If possible, please submit your suggestions electronically at ButlerAreaCatholicParishes.org/merger, as this will reduce the amount of time that staff members need to spend on collecting and sorting the information that we will submit to Bishop Zubik for his discernment and final decision.
Parish Picnic
While it certainly appears that as a region, country, and world (thanks be to God and to everyone who has used their God-given abilities), we are headed in the right direction in containing and limiting the spread of the coronavirus, I have decided to postpone having a parish picnic until the summer of 2022.
Given the future uncertainty of large gatherings of people, the current 300-person limit at the Armco Park dance pavilion, and the staff responsibilities pertaining to the parish merger, it seems like July 2022 would be a nice opportunity to celebrate -- God-willing, without major health concerns and gathering limits. That will mark our one-year anniversary as a new parish, unified through Christ.
Liturgical Updates
Beginning this weekend, we will be increasing the number of people permitted in our church buildings for Masses to 50% of building capacity. Please continue to wear a mask, and keep physically distanced from others with whom you do not live or are not in close contact on a regular basis.
As soon as Bishop Zubik lifts other gathering restrictions and the ability to participate in the liturgy -- i.e. music/cantors, altar servers -- we will communicate accordingly.
Yours in Christ,
Rev. Kevin C. Fazio
The Pennsylvania Catholic Conference today responded to questions that many people have asked about whether it is permissible to receive the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
When people have no choice about which COVID vaccine to receive, it is morally acceptable to receive any vaccine they are offered. This is based on the December 2020 guidance from the Vatican, stating that “when ethically irreproachable Covid-19 vaccines are not available … it is morally acceptable to receive Covid-19 vaccines that have used cell lines from aborted fetuses in their research and production process.”
The position of some bishops in Pennsylvania has been inaccurately reported in some news media, resulting in confusion among Catholics and the public.
Our position has never changed, nor has that of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, which said, “While we should continue to insist that pharmaceutical companies stop using abortion-derived cell lines, given the world-wide suffering that this pandemic is causing, we affirm again that being vaccinated can be an act of charity that serves the common good.”
In essence, we recognize that at this time individuals are not given a choice of which vaccine to receive and that this should not prevent Catholics from getting vaccinated as soon as possible. Catholics may in good conscience, receive any vaccine, in order to protect themselves. Once again, being vaccinated safely against COVID-19 should be considered an act of love of our neighbor and part of our moral responsibility for the common good.
The Pennsylvania Catholic Conference is based in Harrisburg and is the public affairs arm of Pennsylvania’s Catholic bishops.
We are continuing our tradition of serving delicious Fish Fry dinners as we have for the past 20+ years. This year is different in that all meals will be for takeout only; we are not offering a dine-in option. We need of lots of volunteers to make this happen. Please consider volunteering by clicking on the button below to see what slots are available and then sign up. We thank all who have supported our Fish Fry over the years, especially this year's sponsors. Please frequent and support our local businesses.
Father Dan Waruszewki invites our youth and young adults to meet virtually each week to explore different themes. Click the buttons below to connect to the Zoom gatherings. Starting Feb. 1, the groups have the option of meeting in person in the double classroom or youth room at St. Fidelis' Faith Formation Building. For more information, contact Father Dan, our director of Youth & Young Adult Ministries, at waruszewskid@gmail.com