COVID Vaccination

Otrzymaliśmy od Ks. Biskupa Paula Mc Aleenana odpowiedzialnego za duszpasterstwo emigracyjne z ramienia Konferencji Episkopatu Anglii i Walii z prośbą o zachęcenie wszystkich do zaszczepienia się przeciw Covid 19.

Ks. Prałat Stefan Wylężek

Rektor Polskiej Misji Katolickiej w Anglii i Walii

Dear Monsignor Stefan,

I hope you are safe at this time which remains a challenge for us all. Despite the restrictions I hope you were able to enjoy the Feasts of Christmas.

In my capacity as Bishop with responsibilities for ethnic chaplaincies I am receiving much correspondence relating to minority communities and COVID-19 vaccination.

In a message from the Director of Public Health in Hertfordshire he included the following line

My biggest worry is the communities like Poles who are not registered with GPS and who therefore will not get the vaccine until NHS sorts out a pathway 

NHS Harringay have also corresponded stating that they are concerned about the hesitancy of some in the Polish community to accept the vaccine.

You may already be aware of this concern.

At present I am working with different chaplaincies exploring ways in which they can encourage their members to be vaccinated.

In the meantime I would be grateful if you make the priests of the PCM aware of concerns of the health authorities, though you may have already done so. They could also disseminate the message that reception of the vaccine is being encouraged by the Church of England and Wales and encourage people to receive it. Pope Francis himself of course is giving witness to the importance of vaccination.

Should the Polish Catholic Mission need any assistance in this regard I am sure you will let me know.

With Best Wishes for the New Year.

+Paul McAleenan

Auxiliary Bishop of Westminster