CCBI Resources for Covid-19 – March 12, 2021

Dear Friends of CCBI,

This week we give links to another two major statements on the morality of accepting anti-COVID-19 vaccines: one from the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) and one from a group of established Catholic scholars. Questions are still being raised in some quarters about this, but I think most people are beginning to be clear about what the Church says, as opposed to what is being said by groups who think that a document from the Congregation of the Faith is not sufficient. In that light, I have to ask: “To whom shall we go…?”

As we mentioned last week, there have been some warnings about the efficacy of the AstraZeneca vaccine, with some studies showing it is not effective enough in some age ranges, especially over 65. Three European countries have stopped using it temporarily because of reports of one death and some other incidents, but, unfortunately, there are often such mishaps, since no drug, medication or vaccine is 100% safe. Canada is continuing its use for the time being, but not recommending it for those over 65.

Thoughts of a potential ‘third wave’ have not receded. The presence of several variants clouds our hoped-for progress, especially since vaccinations are underway. In a Globe article, Dr Steinie Brown, co-chair of Ontario’s science table, said that the province has averted the worst outcomes by not fully reopening, “…although variants of concern are spreading and cases are rising in most public-health units…Right now we’re basically in the middle of a minefield.” Dr. Brown continued: “I know everyone hates them, and I hate them too, but the prolonged shutdowns in Toronto and Peel I think really helped blunt some of this. … There’s still a lot at risk.” Numbers of cases in some of our provinces are higher than had been hoped for, but public health officials have been warning us about the destructive force of variants and their high transmissibility. I look out of my window and it looks as if Spring is in the air, but if we follow the science, lockdowns will continue in many places and to different degrees for some time.

As the anniversary of Canada’s recognition of the beginning of the pandemic, March 11 was designated as a day to honour all who have died. from COVID-19. As shown in the report below by CBC, Parliament and other legislatures made many gestures of condolences for lives lost, but opposition leaders in our federal Parliament took the opportunity to chastise the government for its failures along the way. I was not aware that such a day had been set aside, and it seemed to have been arranged hastily. Nevertheless, it would have been a serious tribute, but for the occurrence of partisan politics. Once our Churches are open, really open, it should be possible to have appropriate services honouring our COVID dead: we long for the day.

Our healthcare workers need help! A clip from Global News, “Burnout is Real,” plus a link to a discussion about burnout among our healthcare professionals reveal the anxiety and burden on their shoulders,  pointing out that society does not understand just how debilitating this burden is. We don’t expect our healthcare professionals to have burn out problems, and that is a problem in itself! More societal support would be welcomed, the report says, and we could work out some ways to do that. Even a small action like placing supportive signs on lawns and in windows would help. My husband and one of our daughters are in healthcare, but I confess I have not done even this type of publicly supportive act yet. I pledge to show a photograph of such a sign in place in the next Bulletin, but would also love to hear more suggestions about encouraging these frontline workers, who really are at risk.

Our Lady, Health of the Sick, pray for us!

Let us pray that we may experience the sacrament of reconciliation with renewed depth, to taste the infinite mercy of God.

(Pope Francis’ intention for the month of March)

Moira and Bambi

Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops
COVID-19 Vaccine: Moral Questions and Principles – Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) is the national assembly of the Bishops of Canada. It was founded in 1943 and officially recognized by the Holy See in 1948 … www.cccb.ca

Public Discourse, The Journal of the Witherspoon Institute

The Globe and Mail 

Steini Brown, Ontario’s COVID-19 pandemic prognosticator, pulls no punches – The Globe and Mail Days before Premier Doug Ford’s government was set to end Ontario’s stay-at-home order for most of the province, Adalsteinn Brown presented new COVID-19 modelling that showed lifting public … www.theglobeandmail.com

CBC – National Day of Observance for those who have died of COVID-19

Trudeau marks national day of observance to commemorate those who died of COVID-19 Canada will mark the one-year anniversary today of the World Health Organization declaring COVID-19 a global pandemic. www.cbc.ca

Global News

‘Burnout is real’: COVID-19 pandemic takes mental health toll on health-care workers As the one-year mark since the declaration of the global coronavirus pandemic arrives, the continuing health crisis is taking a toll on the mental health of those on the front lines. … www.globalnews.ca