Update on Covid-19

Dear Parishioners,

For the last week and a half the Covid-19 outbreak has changed our lives dramatically. Our normal routines and way of life have been severely impacted by this virus. One of the great disruptions in our daily lives has been the ability to benefit from the Sacraments, especially Mass. I know that for many of you this has been a very difficult time. Although you are able to take advantage of Masses that are televised or available on the internet, the lack of physical dimension of the Sacraments takes away from our ability to truly experience and benefit from the richness of the healing that comes from our full participation. This experience can leave us feeling a deeper sense of distance and isolation from the Lord. 

During this Lenten season, this sense of distance and isolation can feel even more profound, leaving us with a true desert experience. Let us all, during this difficult time, be more aware of our need for the Lord in our lives and search to find him in our prayers and spiritual exercise. Let us all pray for each other and  for the end of this outbreak and for an end to our physical separation from the Lord and each other. This is not the first time in the Church’s history that it has been faced with an epidemic or pandemic of this size; but thanks to the grace of God and the faith and spiritual strength of its people it has come through these crises stronger than before. This time will be no different. May our faith keep us strong and hopeful in the protection of our Lord.

While we have been directed not to celebrate public Masses within our diocese during the Covid-19 outbreak, I continue to celebrate Mass privately each day for the health and well being of all parishioners and for your intentions. 

In accordance with government and diocesan directives the, parish office will be closed except for Monday and Wednesday from 09:00am-12:00pm to serve your needs. Should you have reason to come into the office, please do so for parish business only and practice physical distancing as much as possible.  Susan will be working from home most of the time, checking email and phone messages. Susan will continue to be paid.  

For those parishioners who have not yet picked-up their 2019 tax receipts or 2020 envelopes, they are available at the office. Please call Susan to arrange for pick-up.

Although all meetings and events have been cancelled not only in our parish but through out the diocese and the province, we will attempt to publish a reduced bulletin each week, on-line only. It is my hope that this will in some small ways help to keep us united and thoughtful in prayer.

At a time like this it can be uncomfortable to talk about giving. My primary concern is the health and well-being of all parishioners. However, these difficult circumstances show just how important the offertory is to the life of our parish.  The reality is that our parish relies on your support to operate – parish salaries, programs and ongoing operating costs (heating, water, electricity, etc.) are funded through your generosity. It will be a challenge for our parish to maintain operations without the weekly offertory collection. There are several ways that you can continue to support your parish at this time:

  • Drop off or mail your regular weekly or monthly offertory contribution to the parish office. You can contribute weekly or monthly offerings by cash or cheque.
  • Contribute through PayPal. You can contribute weekly, monthly or one time and special collections.

Finally, let me assure you of my prayers for each and every parishioner, especially during this unprecedented time. Please keep yourselves safe. I look forward to us gathering again to celebrate the Sacraments and especially Mass, once this virus has passed.

Fr. Paul

Mass Cancellation – Weekdays

March 17, 2020 – In light of the ongoing need to protect our vulnerable population of parishioners from the Coronavirus (Covid 19) and the call from various levels of government to social isolate, effective immediately Weekday Masses will be cancelled until further notice.

Weekday Masses can be watched on Vision TV at the following times: Sunday 8:00 am; Monday – Friday 8:00 am & 12:00 pm; Saturday 8:00 am & 9:30 am. To locate, click on the Find Vision TV button at https://www.visiontv.ca/  For a complete list of weekday Masses on TV and the internet can be found here. You may also pray a Spiritual Communion.

Mass intentions will be rescheduled to later dates. Thank you for your co-operation and understanding.

The Reconciliation Service scheduled for March 25 has also been cancelled.

Please note that the parish office is closed today, March 17, 2020.