Issue #407
Date posted on June 26, 2020
THE CHANCERY OFFICE IS RE-OPENING next Thursday, July 2, following a three-and-a-half month shutdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The re-opening will take place under careful constraints mandated by the Government of Ontario, including the use of hand sanitizers, face coverings, physical distancing guidelines and certain office protocols to protect office personnel and visitors. Plexiglas shields have been placed at desks situated in public areas. Visitors to the Chancery will be welcomed by appointment only. The Chancery will be operating at summer hours until Labour Day in September!
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Issue #406
Date posted on June 19, 2020
WE ARE READY TO WELCOME YOU! Most Parishes in the Diocese are prepared to celebrate Masses with some parishioners this weekend with certain restrictions. We are permitted to welcome up to 30% of the capacity of the Church at each Mass. We must also practice social distancing. Hand sanitizer will be used on entry into the Church. Please bring a protective cloth mask which is strongly recommended in the enclosed environment. You will remove your mask just before you receive Holy Communion. Pews and floors have been marked to assist with appropriate physical distancing. This first gathering for us might seem a bit daunting, but we will soon be used to the restrictions which are meant to keep us safe! Remember that CHARITY is the primary law of the Gospel. We count on everybody to do their part so that we can worship together safely and joyfully!
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Issue #405
Date posted on June 12, 2020
THE REOPENING OF PLACES OF WORSHIP “ACROSS THE PROVINCE” was announced by Premier Doug Ford on Monday afternoon, June 8th. While surprised that it happened so soon, we are relieved and happy to begin the process. Strict guidelines accompanied the announcement in order to promote as safe an environment as possible to welcome returning parishioners. These guidelines include a limit of 30% of building capacity, recommended use of face masks and hand sanitizers, and social distancing. The Parish Priests in the Diocese participated in a teleconference on Wednesday to review the liturgical norms and to begin the necessary preparation to clean the churches and place helpful signage. Protective equipment, sanitizer and cleaning solution were delivered to locations in each Deanery for pickup if needed, and are available at the Chancery. Churches in the Diocese can open on Tuesday, June 16, 2020 for daily Mass and prayer, and for Sunday Masses on Saturday, June 20th, and Sunday, June 21st. Please follow instructions carefully to promote safe and prayerful gatherings!
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Issue #404
Date posted on June 5, 2020
GOOD NEWS! The venerable Father Michael J. McGivney will be beatified! The good news was decreed this week by Pope Francis following recognition of a miracle attributed to the intercession of Father McGivney. The Beatification Mass will take place in Father McGivney’s home state of Connecticut. He died of pneumonia at the age of 38 on August 14, 1890, in the midst of a global pandemic that claimed over 1 million lives worldwide. Father McGivney founded the Knights of Columbus in St. Mary’s Church basement, New Haven, Connecticut, as a way to support families who had lost husbands and fathers and faced destitution. The fledgling membership grew to a remarkable 2 million members internationally. The Knights are a major force in the areas of evangelization, charitable works, racial integration, pro-life initiatives and the defense of religious freedom.
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