His Excellency Bishop Douglas Crosby, OMI, has forwarded to us a recent document from the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments on the importance of Sunday Eucharist, especially during this time of Pandemic.
CLICK TO READ CARDINAL SARAH’S LETTER TO THE CHURCH: Let us return to the Eucharist with Joy
We are reminded of the importance of actual participation in the celebration where possible, and the fact that the various means of digital communication can never replace actual participation in the liturgy. Furthermore, we are reminded to observe all the protocols set in place by health authorities and our local bishops.
At this time, it is important to remind everyone that all of the protocols for liturgical celebrations in place in the Diocese of Hamilton are to be strictly observed, without exception. These include the mandatory use of masks in all of our churches, physical distancing, the prohibition against choirs during this time, and the reception of Communion in the hand only. These norms apply to celebrations of the Mass in the Ordinary Form and in the Extraordinary Form, and to all sacramental celebrations. Only the priest, the lector and cantor are permitted to refrain from wearing a mask when exercising their particular ministries in the sanctuary. Priests and Extraordinary Ministers of Communion are required to sanitize their hands before and after distributing Holy Communion.
Failure to comply with all of the protocols presently in place risks the closing of our parishes and our inability to gather in our churches for Mass, Adoration and the celebration of the Sacraments.