Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Sunday, August 8, 2021

Covid, Masks, Vaccines, and Mass

Anyone else have Covid fatigue?  We have been dealing with this for a very long time and there is nothing more I would want than to see this all go away.  Unfortunately, we know that life doesn’t work that way.  We can’t wish away the things we don’t like or when we get “tired” of them.  It is now obvious that we are going to have to learn how to live with the virus among us.

I have noticed a general increase in anxiety as we hear more stories about the Delta variant, the latest news of vaccinated people becoming infected, and the CDC’s newest recommendation that both fully vaccinated and unvaccinated people “wear masks indoors when in areas with substantial and high transmissions of Covid-19.”  Ocean County is in the “substantial” category according to the CDC, with 49.5% of the population having at least one dose and 43% of county residents fully vaccinated.  https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#county-viewDC COVID Data Tracker

The day after the CDC’s announcement, Gov. Murphy echoed their advice on July 28th, and I received an email from Bishop O’Connell saying that it might be advisable to let the congregations know of the recommendation.

With these developments I reached out to Dan Krupinski, the health officer for the LBI Health Department.  He said, “We are seeing a significant increase in Covid-19 case activity on Long Beach Island.  Unfortunately, this is not unique to LBI since we are seeing this regionally and nationally.”  

Although some of those who are fully vaccinated have become infected the percentage is very, very low.  From everything that I have read the vaccine is still the best way to fight the spread of the virus. 

It is wonderful to see the churches filling up again on Sundays but I do want to encourage those so inclined to wear a mask to do so to help protect yourself, your family and friends.  I would also encourage those who have not gotten vaccinated to take advantage of the services offered through the LBI Health Department.  The Covid-19 vaccine is available 5 days a week in their office located at 2119 Long Beach Blvd, Ship Bottom, NJ 08008.  They have “Walk-in Wednesdays” available or you can call for an appointment or more details.

Be safe and let’s keep praying for the end to this pandemic!

Peace and All Good!

Fr. Francis Di Spigno, OFM

Pastor