I have been getting questions about the Covid vaccine that is now being distributed. The first question concerns the morality of how the vaccine was produced. There have been reports that aborted fetal tissue is used in the production of the vaccine. This has been investigated and here is the information as best as I can describe it. The two available vaccines out are made by Pfizer and Moderna. It’s my understanding that no fetal tissue was used in the manufacturing of these vaccines, but Pfizer did use such tissue in the testing of their vaccine. This is not moral and shows a disrespect for human life. The moral issue being considered is am I participating in that sin by reception of the vaccine? This is a worthy consideration, and it needs prayerful consideration. What we have here is a confrontation with two paths of which there is evil to consider on both paths, secondary participation is the disregard of human life by reception of a scandal tainted vaccine or disregard of human life by being a potential carrier of the Covid virus to a person for who it will be deadly. Catholic moral teaching says that in this type of situation you choose the path that serves the “greater good”. By greater good the Church does not mean numbers but the higher moral principle. In this case, the avoidance of carelessly exposing someone to death would be the higher moral principle. Now, this is not saying that it is immoral to not receive the vaccine, but one is still morally responsible not to carelessly spread something that could be deadly. This can be done by other means, good hygiene and looking out for others that are vulnerable. In my vocation of working regularly with vulnerable people, I have elected to receive and have received the first dose of the vaccine by Moderna. Other than the morality of receiving the vaccine there are also health issues to consider. There are potential side effects. Please keep in mind that these vaccines have been fast tracked and have not undergone the normal two-year process. The reason for the two years is that sometimes it takes months for adverse side effects to show up. This lengthy part of the trial has not been done. There could be bad side effect yet to be discovered. I advise you to do some research on your own and by all means, ask questions of your health provider. I am not indorsing that everyone gets vaccinated. I don’t think there is enough quality information available to make that call. Pray about it and remember, you have the Holy Spirit to guide you. Fear is not from the Lord. He will give you peace in your decision. Yours in Christ our Lord. Fr. Sid.