St Francis - St Martin
Catholic Parish      

COVID-19 UPDATE FROM BISHOP FABBRO 

A. Rationale for a Diocesan Vaccination COVID-19 Policy Our Church must be mindful that we are a component of society, unique in our vocation, but similar in operation and exposure as many others. We must react and take steps that are in keeping with the law and with our duties to provide safe places of worship and work, celebrate the sacraments, and carry out our religious duties and obligations with the least possibility of causing harm. COVID-19 is a clear and present threat to society. It is not imaginary as some suggest, or a disease only for the elderly, nor is it a trifling illness like the common cold. We must operate under the premise that the potential for damage caused by COVID-19 means that the common good must prevail over individual rights for society to protect itself. These are rare but necessary occurrences, and our society is not without precedent in this regard as past pandemics and other serious issues have shown. We must operate with the understanding that the vaccinations are both safe and necessary. We, as the Diocese of London, are well within reason to rely upon the various ministries of health, public authorities and world bodies that have declared the vaccinations made available to date to be both safe and effective. That there may be side effects for some does not negate the general need for these vaccines to be used by the general public. Finally, we must bear in mind that the need to combat this pandemic is temporary. In light of the above, in advance of publication of this Policy, Bishop Fabbro issued a letter dated 29 September 2021 to the priests, deacons, and lay ecclesial ministers working in the Diocese with fuller explanation of this rationale.
B. Definitions The following definitions shall apply to this Policy: (i) Fully Vaccinated means having received the full series of a COVID-19 vaccine or combination of COVID-19 vaccines approved by Health Canada, and having completed the 14-day waiting period. (ii) Individuals means all bishops, priests, deacons, lay ecclesial ministers, staff (including employees of cemeteries), and volunteers in the Diocese of London. (iii) Visitors include, but are not limited to: service providers, clergy or lay people coming from other dioceses for temporary ministry. Visitors do not include children under 12 years of age until such time as they are eligible to be vaccinated. (iv) Proof of Vaccination means a written vaccination record of an individual’s COVID-19 immunization date(s) issued by the government of the province, territory or country in which they were immunized. 
C. Vaccinations for Individuals are Mandatory It is expected that all bishops, priests, deacons, lay ecclesial ministers, and staff, including cemetery staff, will be fully vaccinated in accordance with the requirements of Health Canada and the Ontario Ministry of Health. This applies, as well, to all clergy and lay presenters who come from outside of the Diocese of London for the purpose of doing ministry in this Diocese. Visitors to diocesan, parochial, and cemetery offices and any independent contractors are also subject to this Policy. There is no requirement for the Diocese to accommodate any of these people. Visitors or contractors in these buildings for less than 15 minutes are not required to provide proof of vaccination, but are required to follow all other safety protocols. Vaccinations against COVID-19 are mandatory, bearing in mind the context of clergy, employees, cemetery employees, and volunteers engaged in the ministry of the Church who come into personal contact with others. It is important to be mindful of the direction encouraged by the provincial Ministry of Health and the regional health authorities, as well as our legal duties to avoid claims of negligence. The following factors are pertinent:  All clergy, employees, cemetery employees, and volunteers must necessarily work with vulnerable members of the public, such as those who are elderly or medically compromised.  Many of our churches and parishes do not allow us to avoid working in proximity of less than two metres (six feet) from one another.  Many new variants of COVID-19 are presenting themselves, and vaccinations are the only safeguard available to combat them.  Obtaining a vaccination is simple, safe, and effective. “Mandatory” in this context does not mean employees must get a vaccine; the Diocese will not force clergy, employees, or volunteers to do so. This policy means those persons in direct contact with the public or coworkers must have a vaccine to physically be at their workplace or perform ministry. It will not be sufficient in these circumstances to suggest alternatives, such as masking or regular testing, to individuals that cannot or will not be vaccinated. It must be made clear to all concerned, including parishioners, that it is essential to the Diocese that clergy, employees, and volunteers have the COVID-19 vaccination. All members of the Diocese, including parishioners, are strongly encouraged to obtain vaccinations as directed by the authorities. Pastors/administrators and other diocesan administrators shall ensure a copy of this Policy is provided to every employee under their supervision, and that volunteers have access to this Policy. This policy is work- and ministry-related, and does not require attendees at religious services in worship spaces to provide proof of vaccination.

COVID-19  Actualizacion de Parte del Obispo Fabbro. 

PASTOR’S DESK 
Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe Nov 21st, 2021    
Probably by now you have heard the sad news of the accidental death of father Matthew George who was an assistant here at Saint Justin‘s between 1998 and the year 2000 with father Nelson Cabral. Father Matt was only 52 years old. I ask that you keep his mother Shirley and his family in your prayers. Father Matt was known for his larger-than-life personality is wonderful life and his generous service to the Lord in gods holy people, may his priestly soul rest in peace. 
As we celebrate the feast of Christ the King this weekend, we are invited with god's grace to allow the Lord's reign to extend more and more into our daily lives. We were asked to be the Christ to those who are mourning to those who are sick and to those who are on the fringes of life. We all must examine our conscience to see how we are reaching out in Christ name to our sisters and brothers.  
Our joint P PC’s have gathered and have determined two areas of outreach to which they are going to be working towards. The first is the Saint Joseph’s mission and the second is an outreach project which will involve our school children in writing cards to be sent to those who are in nursing homes and those who are elderly are sick and at home may God bless this effort. 
Advent Will soon be upon us! Why not consider setting up an advent wreath in your home? Next weekend brings in your candles and wreaths and father Mario and myself or one of our deacons can bless these candles so that you may use these as articles of devotion in your own homes. 
We will be celebrating the sacrament of confirmation on the second Sunday of advent at 2 o’clock and at 4 o’clock at Saint Justin. Please keep these candidates in your prayers along with their families. 
I will be on retreat at the Precious Blood monastery here in London from Sunday afternoon until the following Saturday morning please keep me in your prayers as I will keep you in mind. 
 
Have a wonderful week ahead! 
  

Father Christopher 
 
 
 

ESCRITORIO DEL SACERDOTE
Nuestro Señor Jesucristo, Rey del Universo Nov 21, 2021
Probablemente ya habrán oído la triste noticia de la muerte del padre Matthew George, falleció en un accidente. Fué asistente aquí en San Justino entre 1998 y el año 2000 con el padre Nelson Cabral. El padre Matt tenía solo 52 años. Les pido que tengan a su madre Shirley y a su familia en sus oraciones. El padre Matt era conocido por su gran personalidad y maravilloso ejemplo de  vida, asi como por su generoso servicio al Señor en el pueblo santo; que su alma sacerdotal descanse en paz.

Al celebrar la fiesta de Cristo Rey este fin de semana, se nos invita con la Gracia de Dios a permitir que el Reino del Señor se extienda cada vez mas en nuestra vida cotidiana. Se nos pide que seamos el Cristo de los que están de luto, de los que están enfermos y de los que están al margen de la vida. Todos debemos hacer un exámen de conciencia para ver como nos acercamos en nombre de Cristo a nuestros hermanos y hermanas.
Los Consejos Pastorales de nuestras Parroquias se han reunido y han determinado dos áreas de alcance en las que van a trabajar. La primera es la misión de San José y la segunda es un Proyecto de alcance que involucra a nuestros niños de la escuela en la escritura de tarjetas que se enviarán a los aque están en los hogares de ancianos y los que están enfermos y en casa, que Dios bendiga este esfuerzo.

El Adviento pronto estará sobre nosotros !   ¿Porqué no considera la posibilidad de decorar la corona de adviento en su casa?  El próximo fin de semana traigan sus velas y coronas y el padre Mario y yo o uno de nuestros diáconos puede bendecir estas velas para que puedan usarlas como artículos de devoción en sus propios hogares.
Celebraremos el sacramento de la confirmación el Segundo domingo de adviento a las 2:00 pm y a las 4:00 pm en San Justino. Por favor, tengan a estos candidatos en sus oraciones junto con sus familias.

Estaré de retiro en el monasterio de la Preciosa Sangre aquí en Londres desde el domingo por la tarde hasta el sábado siguiente por la mañana, por favor, ténganme en cuenta en sus oraciones.

Que tengan una maravillosa semana !

Padre Christopher

 

Come and be part of our Parish Youth Group - RSVP

Venga y sea parte del grupo juvenil de la parroquia-