26th Sunday of Ordinary Time (September 27, 2020) (Spending your life for others)
In the last couple of Sundays, the readings has continued to draw our attention on some of the vices that work against our relationship with others and God; namely: Anger and wrath; envy and jealousy. Today we are drawn to focus our attention on what the Father wants us to do.
The gospel uses the parable of the two sons to show us what the Father asks of us. According to Matthew, a man who had two sons was in need of some work to be done in his vineyard. After approaching the first son without success, he went to the second son who gave him hope, but unfortunately, it was a false hope, an empty promise. On the other hand, the first son realised how foolish he was by refusing to do the fathers beading, he repented, went and attended to the father’s need, that is; working in his vineyard.
Obviously, of the two sons, it was the first that did the fathers will. He made a mistake, realised it, humbled himself to acknowledge that he did not act right; so he went back and corrected his mistakes. Like the two sons in the gospel, we are called to work in the Fathers vineyard. The vineyard is your life and my life. It is that place where others are reaching out to us, seeking the love of Christ in us. They long for Jesus. And they can find Him. They can find Him within us, as a church and as individuals.
There is a condition for God to work through us, we have to take on the humility of Christ and be more concerned with those for whom we are called; then with ourselves. St. Paul presented these same sentiments in a very stylish manner in his letter to the Philippians 2.1-11. He started by telling us to be kind, and loving, and merciful to each other. Thus, we are to put the interests of others above ourselves. He went further to tell us about Jesus. He asks us to have the same attitude in life as Jesus had. Jesus was forever God, but he did not regard this as something to be grasped. Instead, He emptied Himself of His Divinity. He became a human being. More than this, He became a slave for us all. To crown it all, He obeyed His Father for our sake. Thus His entire life was fulfilling the will of the Father.
What better day to have these wonderful messages than on the “World Day of Migrants and Refugees” A day when we have the opportunity of striping ourselves of some comfort to satisfy these brothers and sisters, who, for some reasons must live outside their homelands to sojourn in our land. Jesus calls you and I to go and work in His vineyard and His vineyard today isto serve the needs of others. To stop being selfish. Look at others as more important than yourself. This is difficult. So much of our society pressures us to think that the world revolves around our wants and us. However, it does not. The world is the Lord’s.
Selflessly Jesus did the work of the Father, the first son in the gospel we listen to today did the work of the father; in the same way, you and I are called to do the work of the Father. With the grace of God, we can do the work of God. But we have to remember that this is work, and work is hard, it takes time and strength; hence it takes something out of us, and that is called sacrifice, exactly what Jesus did for us, and asks us to do the same for our brothers and sisters.
In the last couple of Sundays, the readings has continued to draw our attention on some of the vices that work against our relationship with others and God; namely: Anger and wrath; envy and jealousy. Today we are drawn to focus our attention on what the Father wants us to do.
The gospel uses the parable of the two sons to show us what the Father asks of us. According to Matthew, a man who had two sons was in need of some work to be done in his vineyard. After approaching the first son without success, he went to the second son who gave him hope, but unfortunately, it was a false hope, an empty promise. On the other hand, the first son realised how foolish he was by refusing to do the fathers beading, he repented, went and attended to the father’s need, that is; working in his vineyard.
Obviously, of the two sons, it was the first that did the fathers will. He made a mistake, realised it, humbled himself to acknowledge that he did not act right; so he went back and corrected his mistakes. Like the two sons in the gospel, we are called to work in the Fathers vineyard. The vineyard is your life and my life. It is that place where others are reaching out to us, seeking the love of Christ in us. They long for Jesus. And they can find Him. They can find Him within us, as a church and as individuals.
There is a condition for God to work through us, we have to take on the humility of Christ and be more concerned with those for whom we are called; then with ourselves. St. Paul presented these same sentiments in a very stylish manner in his letter to the Philippians 2.1-11. He started by telling us to be kind, and loving, and merciful to each other. Thus, we are to put the interests of others above ourselves. He went further to tell us about Jesus. He asks us to have the same attitude in life as Jesus had. Jesus was forever God, but he did not regard this as something to be grasped. Instead, He emptied Himself of His Divinity. He became a human being. More than this, He became a slave for us all. To crown it all, He obeyed His Father for our sake. Thus His entire life was fulfilling the will of the Father.
What better day to have these wonderful messages than on the “World Day of Migrants and Refugees” A day when we have the opportunity of striping ourselves of some comfort to satisfy these brothers and sisters, who, for some reasons must live outside their homelands to sojourn in our land. Jesus calls you and I to go and work in His vineyard and His vineyard today isto serve the needs of others. To stop being selfish. Look at others as more important than yourself. This is difficult. So much of our society pressures us to think that the world revolves around our wants and us. However, it does not. The world is the Lord’s.
Selflessly Jesus did the work of the Father, the first son in the gospel we listen to today did the work of the father; in the same way, you and I are called to do the work of the Father. With the grace of God, we can do the work of God. But we have to remember that this is work, and work is hard, it takes time and strength; hence it takes something out of us, and that is called sacrifice, exactly what Jesus did for us, and asks us to do the same for our brothers and sisters.
Dear parishioners,
In light of this pandemic, we understand that many of you are careful about where and when you attend public gatherings which includes our weekly Masses. However, if you wish to contribute your weekly stipend in a more easy and regular way, you can make a direct deposit to the parish at the following email address:
2020pneric@gmail.com
Thank you and God bless for helping to keep our two Churches in Athens and Toledo open and thriving.
In light of this pandemic, we understand that many of you are careful about where and when you attend public gatherings which includes our weekly Masses. However, if you wish to contribute your weekly stipend in a more easy and regular way, you can make a direct deposit to the parish at the following email address:
2020pneric@gmail.com
Thank you and God bless for helping to keep our two Churches in Athens and Toledo open and thriving.
25th Sunday of Ordinary Time (September 20th, 2020) (Envy and Jealous kills Joy and Happiness)
During the time of Jesus, minimum wage was considered in relation to what would be able to sustain a family for the day, so that was how people had a sense of what was just and what was unjust. Day workers were given the daily wage of one denarius. The workday was sunrise to sunset. So, it would seem just that those who worked less than a full day should receive less. But in today’s parable, sometimes called the parable of the Laborers in the Marketplace, the landowner has pity on those who could not find work throughout the day. They had families they had to feed. It was not their fault that no one hired them. Therefore, he hires them, some of them even a few hours before sunset, and gives them all the same daily wage. He is not being unjust to those hired in the early morning. He is being charitable, merciful, to those hired at the end of the day.
I think that it would be nice to note that only those hired at sunrise negotiated with the land owner; the rest of the labourers just believed and trusted in the good and magnanimous heart of the landowner, and eventually he did not disappoint them. Those who negotiated with Him equally got what they bargained for, but unfortunately, they were not satisfied. Thus the landowner asked them:
“Are you envious because I am generous?” They went home sad and angry brooding in jealous and envy. This is so sad because what has taken root in them is deadly. Look, here are some of the dangers of living with Envy and Jealousy; Envy and jealousy are horrible. The jealous person looks for ways to destroy another person’s life. The jealous person usually ends up destroying his/her own life.The jealous person does not appreciate his/her own gifts. He/she can only see the gifts that others have. He/she hates them for their gifts. And their hatred destroys them. Everybody is different. No two people are the same. We do not have the right to compare or contrast others to ourselves.
This parable should also be applied to our view of our relationship to God. God loves the person who is faithful throughout the day. Many people respond to God’s mercy at the end of their lives. Remember the good thief on the cross.God loves them for taking a huge step away from their former lives and for falling into the arms of His Mercy. It is a tremendous step of humility to turn from a sinful life and turn to the Lord. What matters is that they are with him now. God loves cradle Catholics, and he loves converts. He loves those who practice their faith throughout their lives, and he loves those who return to the faith. We rejoice in those who join the faith or return to the faith. We don't consider ourselves superior to them because we are not superior to them.
At the end of the gospel reading we come upon the phrase, “The first shall be last and the last shall be first.” We cannot impose our ways on the Lord. “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, says the Lord.” That is from our first reading. We cannot tell God how to be God. We have to do our best to respond to the call to labor in God's vineyard as we have received it. That call demands that we are open to God's mercy in our lives and that we become vehicles for God's mercy in the lives of others. That is Christianity. To act otherwise is to begrudge God for his generosity, or to look upon God's goodness with an evil, jealous eye.
COVID-19 Protocol for Reopening of Parish Halls to the Public
A. Introduction
1. This protocol applies to all parish halls of the Archdiocese of Kingston, including
rooms connected to and ancillary to the hall. In concert with the provincial
guidelines and local health officials, parish halls will reopen to the public in those
regions that moved to Phase Three and where the protocols can be followed.
Local health officials may require further restrictions that are not found herein,
and these must be followed as so designated.
2. This protocol does not apply to offices and worship spaces, which are covered by
separate protocols.
3. Parish halls must remain closed in those areas of the Diocese which are still in
Phase Two.
4. This protocol will be reviewed regularly to determine when expanded parish hall
uses can be permitted.
B. Rules
1. All regulations with respect to physical distancing and all precautions with respect
to personal sanitation and cleaning of the parish hall are in effect. Physical
distancing requires the established norm of two metres (six feet) until further
notice.
2. Wherever possible one door should be used as an entrance and a different door
should be used as an exit. Doors should be labelled “Entrance” and “Exit”.
Signage for this purpose is available at
https://romancatholic.kingston.on.ca/covid-resources.
3. The maximum number of persons permitted to gather in a parish hall is 50
persons, provided physical distancing of two metres (six feet) is maintained at all
times (see https://www.ontario.ca/page/reopening-ontario-stages). As a result of
the physical distancing requirements, most
parish halls will not be able to permit 50 persons to gather. The capacity for each
parish hall will be different and will depend on the size of the hall, meeting/event
COVID-19 Protocol for Reopening of Parish Halls to the Public
setup and number of entrances/exits. In addition, the setup of the parish hall
must permit enough room for attendees to enter, exit and move about, while
maintaining physical distancing requirements, before, during and after the
gathering.
4. Prior to and after each meeting or event all door handles and any other “touch
points” must be disinfected.
5. The local parish must determine who will be responsible for cleaning and
sanitizing. In some cases, the user group may be responsible, but the parish
must make sure it is done and done properly.
6. Food and beverage service is not permitted at this time. The only exceptions are:
a. As noted in Section D, below; and
b. Baking of pies, for example, for later sale for the purpose of parish
fundraising. In such cases, those assisting in the kitchen are required to
wear a mask the entire time they are in the kitchen as well as maintaining
physical distancing. In addition, the kitchen must be cleaned and
disinfected after each use.
7. Both parish and authorized representative of the user group (e.g. CWL, AA,
Canadian Blood Services) must sign and abide by the standard Archdiocese of
Kingston “Facility Usage Agreement”.
C. Permitted Uses
1. The following uses of the parish hall are permitted:
a. Meetings of parish staff
b. Meetings of parish committees (e.g. Parish Pastoral Council)
c. Meetings of parish ministry groups (e.g. bible study, RCIA)
d. Meetings of other parish groups (e.g. CWL, KofC, SSVP)
e. Other groups that were using the parish hall prior to the pandemic (e.g.
AA)
f. Blood donor clinics
g. Some parishes offered exercise classes prior to the pandemic. If so, such
classes are permitted if your area is in Phase Three of reopening, but with
the added measure that the physical distance requirement is increased to
COVID-19 Protocol for Reopening of Parish Halls to the Public
a minimum of three metres (10 feet).
2. Private events (e.g. wedding receptions, showers, funeral luncheons) are not
permitted.
3. New activities are not permitted to start in the parish hall at this time unless
approved by the Chancery.
D. Special Provisions for Parishes that Provide Meals to the Poor and
Disadvantaged
1. Parishes may offer take-out meals for the poor and disadvantaged, with the following
additional rules:
a. Meals must be “take out” only. Those providing the means may place them on a
table for the recipient to pick up to help maintain physical distancing where
possible.
b. Those coming for the meals are not permitted to enter the building.
c. Those persons preparing, distributing, or otherwise involved in the process must
wear a mask and practice physical distancing.
d. The kitchen must be cleaned and disinfected before and after use.
e. Parishes can also consider providing a mask with each meal they distribute.
2. The SSVP may offer services on a “take out” basis to their clients
A. Introduction
1. This protocol applies to all parish halls of the Archdiocese of Kingston, including
rooms connected to and ancillary to the hall. In concert with the provincial
guidelines and local health officials, parish halls will reopen to the public in those
regions that moved to Phase Three and where the protocols can be followed.
Local health officials may require further restrictions that are not found herein,
and these must be followed as so designated.
2. This protocol does not apply to offices and worship spaces, which are covered by
separate protocols.
3. Parish halls must remain closed in those areas of the Diocese which are still in
Phase Two.
4. This protocol will be reviewed regularly to determine when expanded parish hall
uses can be permitted.
B. Rules
1. All regulations with respect to physical distancing and all precautions with respect
to personal sanitation and cleaning of the parish hall are in effect. Physical
distancing requires the established norm of two metres (six feet) until further
notice.
2. Wherever possible one door should be used as an entrance and a different door
should be used as an exit. Doors should be labelled “Entrance” and “Exit”.
Signage for this purpose is available at
https://romancatholic.kingston.on.ca/covid-resources.
3. The maximum number of persons permitted to gather in a parish hall is 50
persons, provided physical distancing of two metres (six feet) is maintained at all
times (see https://www.ontario.ca/page/reopening-ontario-stages). As a result of
the physical distancing requirements, most
parish halls will not be able to permit 50 persons to gather. The capacity for each
parish hall will be different and will depend on the size of the hall, meeting/event
COVID-19 Protocol for Reopening of Parish Halls to the Public
setup and number of entrances/exits. In addition, the setup of the parish hall
must permit enough room for attendees to enter, exit and move about, while
maintaining physical distancing requirements, before, during and after the
gathering.
4. Prior to and after each meeting or event all door handles and any other “touch
points” must be disinfected.
5. The local parish must determine who will be responsible for cleaning and
sanitizing. In some cases, the user group may be responsible, but the parish
must make sure it is done and done properly.
6. Food and beverage service is not permitted at this time. The only exceptions are:
a. As noted in Section D, below; and
b. Baking of pies, for example, for later sale for the purpose of parish
fundraising. In such cases, those assisting in the kitchen are required to
wear a mask the entire time they are in the kitchen as well as maintaining
physical distancing. In addition, the kitchen must be cleaned and
disinfected after each use.
7. Both parish and authorized representative of the user group (e.g. CWL, AA,
Canadian Blood Services) must sign and abide by the standard Archdiocese of
Kingston “Facility Usage Agreement”.
C. Permitted Uses
1. The following uses of the parish hall are permitted:
a. Meetings of parish staff
b. Meetings of parish committees (e.g. Parish Pastoral Council)
c. Meetings of parish ministry groups (e.g. bible study, RCIA)
d. Meetings of other parish groups (e.g. CWL, KofC, SSVP)
e. Other groups that were using the parish hall prior to the pandemic (e.g.
AA)
f. Blood donor clinics
g. Some parishes offered exercise classes prior to the pandemic. If so, such
classes are permitted if your area is in Phase Three of reopening, but with
the added measure that the physical distance requirement is increased to
COVID-19 Protocol for Reopening of Parish Halls to the Public
a minimum of three metres (10 feet).
2. Private events (e.g. wedding receptions, showers, funeral luncheons) are not
permitted.
3. New activities are not permitted to start in the parish hall at this time unless
approved by the Chancery.
D. Special Provisions for Parishes that Provide Meals to the Poor and
Disadvantaged
1. Parishes may offer take-out meals for the poor and disadvantaged, with the following
additional rules:
a. Meals must be “take out” only. Those providing the means may place them on a
table for the recipient to pick up to help maintain physical distancing where
possible.
b. Those coming for the meals are not permitted to enter the building.
c. Those persons preparing, distributing, or otherwise involved in the process must
wear a mask and practice physical distancing.
d. The kitchen must be cleaned and disinfected before and after use.
e. Parishes can also consider providing a mask with each meal they distribute.
2. The SSVP may offer services on a “take out” basis to their clients
CNEWA Canada launches emergency campaign for Lebanon
OTTAWA, August 6, 2020 – Catholic Near East Welfare Association (CNEWA) has launched an emergency campaign to rally prayers and funds for Lebanon.
“The Lebanese people are going through a major crisis,” says Carl Hétu, national director of CNEWA Canada. “The Beirut blast comes on the heels of a political crises, overwhelming debt, financial collapse, unemployment, the COVID-19 pandemic as well as successive waves of regional conflict. We direct our prayers to the people of this country with whom we Canadians have so many ties. We invite all to join us. The Lebanese people need our help.”
While the cause of the blast remains unknown, the impact has sent shockwaves throughout the country – and the world. The toll grows by the day. More than a 100 people are confirmed dead; thousands are injured; countless remain missing, presumably buried under rubble. Lebanon’s health care facilities have been overwhelmed. Three Christian hospitals close to the port, including the 600-bed St. George Hospital, have been severely damaged and evacuated. The injured are being rushed to medical centers miles from Beirut.
“Our staff, as with the entire city, is really shaken,” said Michel Constantin, CNEWA’s Beirut-based regional director. “Our building was damaged, our offices are filled with shattered glass that could have been deadly had we not left for the day. Lebanon is on the brink of economic, political and social collapse. This will not stop us from doing our work. More than ever, the people of Lebanon need our help and, most especially, the help of their local and universal church.”
CNEWA Canada will leverage most of its resources to support the campaign – social media, website, advertisements and personal and general appeals to its generous donor base. Funds raised will be directed to the CNEWA office in Beirut which, in turn, will share with local churches that offer essential health and emergency services and pastoral outreach.
“With all the major issues devastating Lebanon, this week’s horrific incident only deepens what many describe as an existential catastrophe not only for Lebanon as a nation, but for the existence of a culturally and religiously diverse Middle East,” said CNEWA president Msgr. Peter I. Vaccari. “CNEWA recalls the words of St. John Paul II, who reminded the world that Lebanon is not just a country, but a message.”
CNEWA has been at the service of the churches and peoples of Lebanon for decades, providing relief to all who are suffering and those who have fallen through the cracks, especially those facing homelessness and in need of medical care and food.
Donations can be made online at cnewa.org/ca/campaigns/lebanoncrisis or by phone at 1-866-322-4441. Cheques can be made to “CNEWA Canada” and mailed to CNEWA Canada at 1247 Kilborn Place, Ottawa, ON K1H 6K9, marked “Lebanon”. Tax receipts will be issued for donations of $10 or more.
About CNEWA
An agency of the Holy See, CNEWA works for, through and with the Eastern churches throughout the Middle East, Northeast Africa, India and Ukraine. Founded by Pope Pius XI in 1926, CNEWA provides pastoral and humanitarian support to the churches and people of the East. CNEWA Canada was incorporated as a registered charity by Canada Revenue Agency in 2003.
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For more information, interviews or photos:
Tia Giannone Mary Moniz
Torchia Communications Torchia Communications
514-999-1732 647-278-0152
tia@torchiacom.com mary@torchiacom.com
19th Sunday of Ordinary Time (August 9th, 2020)
‘Jesus made the disciples get into the boat…..’ When evening came ….by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them.’
I noted that on this mission, the disciples were sent by Jesus, they were on a divine mandate, suddenly when they were already in the middle of the sea, they encountered turbulent weather, the sea was troubled, they were engulfed in fear, and probably filled with regrets why in the first place did they listen or follow the instructions of Jesus to get into the boat and go over to the other side of the sea.
While they were wallowing in regrets and self-pity, Jesus appeared, walking on their trouble; the turbulent waters, in their shock and amazement, they shouted in fear; ‘it is a ghost’, but Jesus told them it is He. At this point when Peter asked, Jesus ordered him to come to Him on the water, Jesus said, ‘come’. So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came towards Jesus.
At this moment, Peter was filled with joy and courage at the command of Jesus to step out of his comfort zone and walk on the same sea that has threatened to sniff life out of him and his companions. What a joy it was to have the power to subdue you oppressor. Unfortunately, Peter was lost in the celebration of the fall of their enemy, that he lost focus of his call and where he was heading to, hence, he noticed the strong wind, and he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he was lucky to regain his focus, and he cried out, ‘Lord save me!’ In all this, Jesus was never absent, when he beckoned for help; Jesus reached out His hand and caught him.
Each and every one has been called at baptism by Jesus to step out of our comfort zones, to come to Him stepping on our troubled situations. Like Peter, most of us jumped at this invitation with jubilation, and along the line derailed from our calling to come to Jesus. The moment we stopped following Him, something similar to what happened to Peter will occur; we will begin to sink into: Resentment, Anger, Revenge, Jealousy, faithlessness and so on. During this time of disaster and turmoil, Jesus remains a friend ready to help; but the question is; do we notice or remember that He is there for us, waiting to be invited into our troubled life?
Lord, as you have commanded us to come to you walking on our troubled lives, grant us the grace to remain focused on you and never to drift to doubts and fear. When mistakenly we fall; Lord Save us. Amen.
‘Jesus made the disciples get into the boat…..’ When evening came ….by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them.’
I noted that on this mission, the disciples were sent by Jesus, they were on a divine mandate, suddenly when they were already in the middle of the sea, they encountered turbulent weather, the sea was troubled, they were engulfed in fear, and probably filled with regrets why in the first place did they listen or follow the instructions of Jesus to get into the boat and go over to the other side of the sea.
While they were wallowing in regrets and self-pity, Jesus appeared, walking on their trouble; the turbulent waters, in their shock and amazement, they shouted in fear; ‘it is a ghost’, but Jesus told them it is He. At this point when Peter asked, Jesus ordered him to come to Him on the water, Jesus said, ‘come’. So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came towards Jesus.
At this moment, Peter was filled with joy and courage at the command of Jesus to step out of his comfort zone and walk on the same sea that has threatened to sniff life out of him and his companions. What a joy it was to have the power to subdue you oppressor. Unfortunately, Peter was lost in the celebration of the fall of their enemy, that he lost focus of his call and where he was heading to, hence, he noticed the strong wind, and he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he was lucky to regain his focus, and he cried out, ‘Lord save me!’ In all this, Jesus was never absent, when he beckoned for help; Jesus reached out His hand and caught him.
Each and every one has been called at baptism by Jesus to step out of our comfort zones, to come to Him stepping on our troubled situations. Like Peter, most of us jumped at this invitation with jubilation, and along the line derailed from our calling to come to Jesus. The moment we stopped following Him, something similar to what happened to Peter will occur; we will begin to sink into: Resentment, Anger, Revenge, Jealousy, faithlessness and so on. During this time of disaster and turmoil, Jesus remains a friend ready to help; but the question is; do we notice or remember that He is there for us, waiting to be invited into our troubled life?
Lord, as you have commanded us to come to you walking on our troubled lives, grant us the grace to remain focused on you and never to drift to doubts and fear. When mistakenly we fall; Lord Save us. Amen.
JULY 19, 2020
CONGRATULATIONS FATHER BEN ON YOUR 23RD ANNIVERSARY AS A PRIEST. WE ARE FORTUNATE TO HAVE YOU IN OUR PARISH OF ST.PHILIP - ST. DENIS
Expanded coverage for Face Mask Order Effective July 7, 2020
In addition to Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox & Addington (KFLA) Region, medical officers of health from the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit; the Eastern Ontario Health Unit; Renfrew County and District Health; and Ottawa Public Health announced that face coverings will now be mandatory in indoor public spaces to stop the spread of COVID-19. This includes worship spaces and churches. There will be exceptions to the requirement, for instance for children under the age of two, or people who are medically or physically unable to put on a mask. Officials will rely on the good faith of individuals who say they are unable to wear a mask. For more details, please click on link below.
https://www.recorder.ca/news/local-news/masks-now-mandatory-in-indoor-public-spaces
Here are some guidelines to help with implementation:
1. All parishioners must wear a face mask in the church. With this they should bring their own face mask. This should be communicated prior to Mass as well as signs posted at the church entrances. Should some parishioners not be aware of the order and not be prepared, it would be good to have some extra masks on hand to give them. In your safety supply kit you received a box of 50 masks. Should you not have enough masks on hand from the kit, we have a stock pile at the Pastoral Centre.
2. All clergy and others involved in ministries, including Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, readers, ushers, etc. must wear masks except during portions of the Mass when speaking is required. Please ensure you don and doff the mask properly. If you’re not sure on this, I attached a short video.
How to Wear (Don) & Take Off (Doff) Surgical Face Mask Tutorial PPE
In addition to Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox & Addington (KFLA) Region, medical officers of health from the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit; the Eastern Ontario Health Unit; Renfrew County and District Health; and Ottawa Public Health announced that face coverings will now be mandatory in indoor public spaces to stop the spread of COVID-19. This includes worship spaces and churches. There will be exceptions to the requirement, for instance for children under the age of two, or people who are medically or physically unable to put on a mask. Officials will rely on the good faith of individuals who say they are unable to wear a mask. For more details, please click on link below.
https://www.recorder.ca/news/local-news/masks-now-mandatory-in-indoor-public-spaces
Here are some guidelines to help with implementation:
1. All parishioners must wear a face mask in the church. With this they should bring their own face mask. This should be communicated prior to Mass as well as signs posted at the church entrances. Should some parishioners not be aware of the order and not be prepared, it would be good to have some extra masks on hand to give them. In your safety supply kit you received a box of 50 masks. Should you not have enough masks on hand from the kit, we have a stock pile at the Pastoral Centre.
2. All clergy and others involved in ministries, including Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, readers, ushers, etc. must wear masks except during portions of the Mass when speaking is required. Please ensure you don and doff the mask properly. If you’re not sure on this, I attached a short video.
How to Wear (Don) & Take Off (Doff) Surgical Face Mask Tutorial PPE