In their newsletter dated December 26th, the Parish of the Holy Family of East Nottingham in central England said:
“If you are not vaccinated and/or won’t wear a mask, please do not come to Mass.”
The parish made the same request in their Christmas Day and December 19th newsletter (but not their New Year Bulletin).
The parish however, does not check the vaccination status of those attending Mass there and also offers free masks to churchgoers.
Parish community coordinator Diane Williams said the request was intended to protect the community from getting COVID19 and being hospitalized.
“We are trying our hardest to protect our community from hospital admission, especially the elderly and vulnerable, and our overworked NHS in a city where the vaccination rates are one of the lowest in the country.”
The Diocese of Nottingham said vaccination status should not be a “barrier” to attending Mass.
“The decision to decline the vaccine should not be a barrier to receiving the sacraments or attending Mass. The law states that face coverings are mandatory during Mass unless you are exempt and we trust all of our parishes to ensure that this legal requirement is implemented with charity and courtesy. The law states that face coverings are mandatory during Mass unless you are exempt and we trust all of our parishes to ensure that this legal requirement is implemented with charity and courtesy.”
The Vatican recently reaffirmed their support for receiving COVID-19 vaccination last month.
Life is a precious gift. May each and everyone be blessed with good health.