Ohio Catholic bishops urge COVID-19 safety protocols, vaccinations

YOUNGSTOWN — The Most Rev. David J. Bonnar, bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Youngstown, is one of eight Ohio bishops urging parishioners to follow all COVID-19 safety protocols if they plan to attend Easter worship services.

The bishops issued a letter Friday urging their members to take precautions even if they are vaccinated.

"Since the onset of the pandemic just a year ago, the Bishops of Ohio have worked together during this unprecedented time with the assistance of government and health professionals to lead and protect all those entrusted to our pastoral care," the letter states. "By the grace of God and the painstaking efforts by so many to follow COVID-19 protocols, coupled with the expanding availability of vaccines, we are making progress in our fight against this deadly scourge.

"What a blessing it will be for us to be in person in our churches this year to celebrate the Paschal Mystery, culminating in the Resurrection of Jesus on Easter Sunday."

Easter will be celebrated April 4. The bishops are urging their church members to get vaccinated, preferably with Pfizer or Moderna-produced vaccines instead of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine, whose mass-manufacturing process relies on tissue from aborted fetuses.

"In our shared hope of eradicating this virus and encouraging ongoing return of the faithful to Holy Mass and the Sacraments each week, you are invited to continue to follow all the essential protocols of hand sanitizing, wearing masks and social distancing," the letter states. "These efforts are working to the point that we are in a much more hopeful place than we were even a few months ago.

"At the same time, you are encouraged to receive a vaccine. To reiterate the teaching of the Church with regard to the vaccine options: if you have the opportunity to choose a vaccine, you should choose Pfizer or Moderna.

"While the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is made from cell lines originating from an aborted human fetus, it should be taken only if it is the only option available."

For more information about the COVID-19 vaccine, see Mahoning Matters' list of frequently asked questions.

The bishops suggest an end to the one-year pandemic is in sight.

"As we move toward herd immunity, notwithstanding a spike in the virus, it is our sincere hope that soon we can return to the regular celebration of Mass with full capacity in our churches, and thus lift the dispensation of the obligation to attend Sunday Mass," the letter states. "We are advised that parish festivals likely can take place this summer, preferably outdoors, following the necessary protocols.

"Nevertheless, we all need to remain vigilant."

Also signing the letter were: The Most Rev. Dennis M. Schnurr, Archdiocese of Cincinnati; The Most Rev. Robert J. Brennan, Diocese of Columbus; The Most Rev. Daniel E. Thomas, Diocese of Toledo; The Most Rev. Bohdan J. Danylo, Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of St. Josaph at in Parma; The Most Rev. Edward C. Malesic, Diocese of Cleveland; The Most Rev. Jeffrey M. Monforton, Diocese of Steubenville; and The Most Rev. John Michael Botea, St. George Byzantine Catholic Diocese.

"We look forward with eager longing to when we can all be together around the altar of the Lord without any restrictions," the letter states. "In the meantime, let us continue to do all that we need to do to overcome the virus, and rely upon the guidance of government and health officials so that we can return to some sense of normal.

"Have a blessed Holy Week!"

This story was originally published March 27, 2021 at 12:55 PM with the headline "Ohio Catholic bishops urge COVID-19 safety protocols, vaccinations."