The stated position of the Church is that the available Covid-19 vaccines are ethical and may be taken by the faithful. Pope Francis has encouraged the faithful who are able to be vaccinated as an exercise in charity and care for the common good.
All clergy and employees serving in the Diocese of Peterborough as well as vendors providing contracted services are encouraged to receive the Covid-19 vaccine. If clergy and employees are partially or not vaccinated, they must submit weekly a negative Covid rapid test to carry out their duties.
In accordance with advice received from the Assembly of Catholic Bishop of Ontario, volunteers will be treated in a similar manner as clergy and lay employees.
Volunteers must likewise be fully vaccinated or submit a current negative Covid rapid test to fulfill their ministry. (Rapid tests, however, will not be accepted from Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist, who must be fully vaccinated to carry out their ministry.) These provisions are temporary and will continue only for as long as the Vaccination Policy is in effect.