From the Archdiocese of Portland
August 30, 2021

The COVID-19 virus has surged once again with the rapid spread of the Delta variant, which is dramatically more contagious than the original virus. The pandemic and its effects have impacted the entire globe and laid a heavy burden on all of us, including our families and communities here in western Oregon. We continue to implore the Lord for his mercy and a rapid end to the pandemic. 

Now that the Pfizer vaccine is fully approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the State of Oregon is requiring all school teachers, staff, and volunteers, including in private schools, to be vaccinated against COVID-19 by Oct. 18. It is important to recall that statewide vaccine mandates for other vaccinations already exist for all children who attend schools. 

Catholic Church leaders encourage all people who are able to get vaccinated to help stop the spread of COVID-19. Please see this VIDEO (Unity Across the Americas | COVID-19 Vaccine Education - YouTube), which features Pope Francis and the President of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, Archbishop José Gomez. Pope Francis, Pope Benedict, and our own Archbishop Sample have all received the vaccine. In recommending the vaccine, the Church relies on the judgement of public health experts regarding its safety and efficacy. No medical intervention is without risks, and these risks must be weighed in light of the benefits of vaccination for the individual and common good. 

Receiving any of the currently approved COVID-19 vaccines is morally acceptable for Catholics in light of the pandemic and since ethically irreproachable COVID-19 vaccines are unavailable. Because receiving the vaccine constitutes only remote, passive material cooperation in evil, the Church teaches it is morally licit to do so (  CDF 2 & 3). A Catholic, in good conscience, can receive any of the three currently available COVID-19 vaccines. Since this position that one can in good conscience receive the vaccination has been confirmed by recent statements by the Holy Father and the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, this is to be considered an authoritative application of the Church’s moral norms in this particular case and constitutes a part of the Magisterial teaching of the Church. 

The Church recognizes that in principle, vaccination is not a moral obligation and must be voluntary (CDF, 5). However, because the State is requiring vaccination for some sectors of society, (including Catholic school teachers, staff, and volunteers) due to the pandemic and for the stated purpose of protecting the public health, Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Portland are therefore obligated to comply with the State’s vaccine mandate. The Church recognizes and understands there are legitimate medical and other reasons why individuals may not be able or willing to take the vaccines. For example, the Church supports individuals who, not accepting the Church’s official moral guidance, are disturbed in conscience about taking the vaccines due to their remote connection with aborted fetal cell lines. Individuals not able or unwilling to be vaccinated must take concrete, practical steps to avoid exposing those who are vulnerable and at risk. In cases where accommodations cannot be made by an employer, the individual may need to seek employment elsewhere to protect the common good and minimize risks to vulnerable populations. 

In the case of Catholic school teachers, staff and volunteers, there may be circumstances when accommodations can be made for an individual seeking an exemption of conscience. Each request for such an accommodation will be carefully and sincerely considered on its merits and on an individual basis.  Minimizing risk for our children and keeping them safe is paramount. The Oregon Health Authority form must be used to request a religious exception. 

No letters can be written by priests or other Church officials to support an individual’s request for religious exemption. This is because the matter is strictly between the employee and the employer. Also, no Church official can state that receiving the vaccination is contrary to the moral teachings of the Church, given the moral guidance provided by the Church as referenced above.  Individuals can be directed to use National Catholic Bioethics Center materials as a reference to craft their own letters of conscientious objection. 

Offering Masses and Providing Other Parish Ministry during the Ongoing Pandemic

Introductory Statement: 
Over the last fifteen months, in the face of the coronavirus pandemic, we have adapted the ways we lived our daily lives, as well as the ways we worshiped as a Church. As restrictions are lifted and parishes more fully reopen, our priority, as it has been throughout this pandemic, is to continue to practice our faith while keeping people safe. Pastors are asked to implement these new guidelines with prudence, using sensible public health precautions, and with the safety and wellbeing of their parishioners in mind.

These new guidelines, approved by Archbishop Sample and effective June 30, 2021, replace all previous pandemic protocols established by the Archdiocese. The COVID-19 Response Team, and the Pastoral Center will continue to serve as a resource to pastors and parishes as they offer ministry during the pandemic.

Dispensation from the Obligation to attend Mass: 
Effective Friday, July 16, 2021 Archbishop Sample rescinds the dispensation from the obligation to attend Holy Mass on Sundays and holy days of obligation. Canon Law still allows those who are vulnerable, sick, or who have other grave reasons, to miss Holy Mass if necessary. Those unable to attend the Sunday Eucharist for such reasons are asked to honor the Lord in another way that day by watching a livestreamed Mass, praying the rosary, reading sacred Scripture, or otherwise setting aside time to be with the Lord.

General Principles: 
All indoor liturgical celebrations and faith gatherings are allowed to take place without capacity limitations, social distancing, sign-up systems, or segregation between those vaccinated and those unvaccinated. Masks may be worn but are not required. Implementation of these guidelines is left to the prudential judgment of the pastor.

Parish Ministry: 
Pastors and their staff and volunteers are encouraged to foster the life and activities of the parish with renewed enthusiasm. This applies to all faith gatherings and parish activities, including sacramental preparation programs, faith formation, bible studies and vacation bible schools.

Liturgical Practices: 
All previous liturgical restrictions are lifted, except for the following:
     1. The Precious Blood will not be offered to the faithful.
     2. The Sign of Peace will not be exchanged through physical contact.

It is up to the pastor to determine if there will be a presentation of the gifts. It is up to the pastor to determine how the collection will be taken. Holy water may return to fonts.

Cleaning: 
Cleaning after Masses and gatherings is encouraged.

Ventilation: 
Good ventilation in churches and gathering spaces is encouraged.

Social Gatherings: 
Social gatherings such as coffee and donuts and wedding and funeral receptions may take place so long as sensible health precautions are taken. This is left to the discretion of the pastor, in consultation with his leadership team.

Livestreaming: 
Livestreaming of Masses continues to be encouraged.