Seating for Mass as per capacity rules set by the Provincial Government: no set percentage of capacity, but a requirement that all in the worship space be able to social distance from people from another household. So, this will mean seating in alternating pews (don’t sit in yellow-marked pews), and in the long central pews, keep two meters/six feet between persons of different households. This will translate into seating for 100 comfortably, and with a reasonable and effective limit of 150 depending upon how the congregation breaks down into households in attendance.

Sanitation and hygiene: Masks to be worn in the pews. We will cease wiping down the pews after each liturgy. Hymnals will be returned to the pews, and other printed materials are now allowed.

Choirs will be permitted beginning November 28, the First Sunday of Advent. All choristers and musicians must remain masked when not singing or playing (this applies to wind instruments only – other instrumentalists must remain masked at all times). Choir must sing facing forward, and be seated at least 4m from the assembly. Social distancing is to be maintained within the choir.

Reception of the Blessed Sacrament on the tongue is allowed. However, those wishing to receive on the tongue must come forward after all others who have received in the hand; they must come only to the priest celebrant.

Social gatherings that follow a religious service (e.g. funeral receptions in the parish centre, coffee hour following Mass, and so on), are not allowed. Outdoor gatherings are limited by the ability to social distance — so events in the parish garden have a reasonable limit of 100. Small meetings (e.g. CWL executive) may be held for purposes of administration if virtual meeting is not practical. Catechetical activities (e.g. RCIA) and other “religious” activities are permitted (e.g. bible study). Social distancing and other health and safety protocols to be followed.

For the immediate future, we will continue to stream/offer a recording online of the whole of the Sunday mass.

Confessions will now be available at their usual scheduled time of 4 to 4:45 p.m. Saturdays. A ventilating fan has been installed in the confessional in the church. Penitents are to wear masks in the confessional; as will the priest-confessor.

The dispensation from the Sunday obligation is still in force.

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