May 19, 2021

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

At the outset of the coronavirus pandemic I modified the celebration of the Sacred Liturgy and non-liturgical parish gatherings within the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston in order to prevent these gatherings from becoming sources of community spread for the virus.  These modifications were aimed at the common good of all who live within our communities. 

The local pandemic situation is greatly improved.  Therefore, I have amended our pandemic protocols.  Beginning with the celebration of the Vigil Mass of Pentecost on the evening of Saturday, May 22, 2021 social distancing no longer needs to be maintained during liturgical celebrations.  Parish churches and chapels may be filled to 100% of the building’s occupancy load.  Masks will not be required, but they are encouraged. 

Also effective on the evening of May 22, 2021, the temporary suspension of receiving Holy Communion on the tongue is removed.  Holy Communion may be received on the tongue, or in the hand, at the communicant’s discretion.  The temporary suspension of receiving Holy Communion under the appearance of wine from a common chalice remains in effect until further notice.

For the time being, the general dispensation from the Sunday obligation remains in effect for all Catholics within the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston.

With assurances of my prayers, and commending this local Church to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, I am

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Daniel Cardinal DiNardo
Archbishop of Galveston-Houston

19 de mayo de 2021

Muy queridos hermanos y hermanas,

Al comienzo de la pandemia de coronavirus, modifiqué la celebración de la sagrada liturgia y las varias reuniones parroquiales dentro de la Arquidiócesis de Galveston-Houston para evitar que estas celebraciones y reuniones se conviertan en fuentes de propagación comunitaria del virus. Estas modificaciones tenían como objetivo el bien común de todas personas en nuestras comunidades.

La situación local de la pandemia ha mejorado enormemente. Por lo tanto, he modificado nuestros protocolos contra la pandemia. A partir de la celebración de la Misa de la Vigilia de Pentecostés en la tarde del sábado 22 de mayo de 2021, ya no es necesario mantener el distanciamiento social durante las celebraciones litúrgicas. Las iglesias y capillas parroquiales pueden llenarse al 100% de la carga de ocupación del edificio. No se requerirán mascarillas, pero se recomiendan.

También a partir de la tarde del 22 de mayo de 2021, se elimina la suspensión temporal de recibir la sagrada comunión en la lengua. La sagrada comunión puede recibirse en la lengua o en la mano, a discreción del comulgante. La suspensión temporal de recibir la sagrada comunión bajo la apariencia de vino de un cáliz común permanece hasta nuevo aviso.

Por el momento, la dispensa general de la obligación dominical sigue vigente para todos los feligreses dentro de la Arquidiócesis de Galveston-Houston.

Asegurándoles a todos de mis oraciones, y encomendando esta iglesia local a la intercesión de la santísima Virgen María, soy

Sinceramente en Cristo,

Daniel Cardenal DiNardo
Arzobispo de Galveston-Houston

Published December 8, 2020
By Daniel Cardinal DiNardo

On December 2nd, Governor Abbott announced that the federal government will be distributing an initial allotment of approximately 1.4 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines in Texas during the month of December.  These vaccines will be administered by qualifying providers throughout the state.

Some individuals and groups are publicly asserting that if a vaccine is connected in any way with tainted cell lines then it is immoral to be vaccinated with it.  This is an inaccurate presentation of Catholic moral doctrine and I would like to offer some clarifications regarding the moral permissibility of using the COVID-19 vaccines developed by the companies Pfizer and Moderna.

Neither the Pfizer nor the Moderna vaccine involved the use of cell lines that originated in tissue taken from the body of an aborted baby at any level of design, development, or production.  However, these vaccines are not completely free from any connection to abortion, as both Pfizer and Moderna made use of a tainted cell line for one of the confirmatory lab tests of their products.  There is thus a connection, but it is relatively remote and should not be the basis for refusing to receive the vaccine.

A third possible vaccine, this one produced by AstaZeneca, is morally concerning because of its origin.  However, according to Catholic moral teaching, it is also acceptable to receive it for the sake of our own health and the health of others if it is the only vaccine available in a given place.

It is morally permissible to receive the COVID-19 vaccines which will be availaable for distribution in Texas beginning this month.

On this Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary we unite ourselves more closely to the intercession of the Mother of God as we pray for an end to the Coronavirus pandemic.  Please be assured of my continue prayers for the clergy and lay faithful of the Church in Galveston-Houston.

STATEMENT FROM ARCHDIOCESE OF GALVESTON-HOUSTON 
REGARDING TO JOHNSON & JOHNSON COVID-19 VACCINE

Published March 2, 2021

The Moderna and Pfizer vaccines for COVID-19 do not involve abortion-derived cell lines in the manufacturing process, and are morally permissible since the connection to abortion is remote.

The Johnson & Johnson vaccine is morally compromised because an abortion-derived cell line  was used in its development, testing and production.  However, according to Catholic moral teaching, it is permissible to receive the Johnson & Johnson vaccine when it is the only vaccine available in a given place.  Where there is an option, Catholics should choose the Moderna or Pfizer vaccines over the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

The decision to receive a vaccination for COVID-19 is one of personal conscience.

Further Reading:  U.S. Bishops Conference Statement on the Use of the Johnson & Johnson Covid-19 Vaccine.