Before entering the seminary, Fr. Ross Dela Cruz, parish priest of Pagkabuhay Parish in Quezon City, was a registered nurse.
“It’s very fulfilling. There’s a certain joy, a certain happiness na mararamdaman mo. You can serve and can use your talent. Dasal na, and Divine providence,” said Dela Cruz.
Annalyn, a social worker, is comfortable that Dela Cruz vaccinated her against COVID-19.
“Siyempre, parang wala akong naramdaman. Siguro binless niya,” Annalyn’s description of her experience receiving the vaccine.
The Good Shepherd Cathedral of The Diocese of Novaliches is the first church in Quezon City to be opened for use as a vaccination site, in collaboration with the church and local government.
There are designated areas within the church compound for the steps to be traversed by an individual to be vaccinated, from registration to the observation period after inoculation.
Volunteer doctors lead the pre-assessment and post-assessment of the vaccinated. There is a bonus of counseling while waiting for the vaccine.
The church has its own refrigerator where vaccines are kept.
Church in Novaliches opened as vaccination site
This Thursday, priests, and volunteers across the Diocese of Novaliches will be vaccinated for the first time in the A1, A2, and A3 priority groups.
“Magandang opportunity po na talagang maging bahagi ang simbahan sa solusyon sa pandemya,” said Bishop Roberto Gaa of Diocese of Novaliches.
It is a great thing for religious ministers to be vaccinated and to be an example for their constituents in their respective parishes.
“We should also do yung ating end na protecting ourselves. Alisin natin yung mga conspiracy theories natin. Habang nae-expose ang mga tao sa conspiracy theories lalo silang natatakot sa bakuna,” said Father Nonette Legaspi of Mary the Queen Parish.
According to Fr. Tony Labiao Jr., Vicar General of Pastoral Affairs in the Diocese of Novaliches, more than 70 parishes in the Diocese of Novaliches. It is also targeted to turn these churches into vaccination sites, as long as there is enough space and manpower.
Every day, about 100 targets will be vaccinated in the cathedral of the Diocese of Novaliches. It will continue on Saturday, and from Monday to Thursday next week.