COVID-19 UPDATE

WORSHIP SAFE - Reopening Plan for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Peterborough, edits - August 15, 2020, July 7, 2020, June 25, 2020. (Original June 9 2020)

Worship Safe in Pictures and Points (A Summary)

Video - How to Worship Safely

COVID-19 Safety Plan

Diocesan Pastoral Centre COVID-19 Safety Plan

• Churches and missions may open at full capacity.   
• When the Vaccine Policy was introduced, it was noted that the provisions of the Policy would be temporary.  Accordingly, the Vaccine Policy is rescinded as of March 1, 2022, and its provisions regarding the presentation of vaccine certificates and/or testing are no longer in effect. 
• Face masks must be worn by all those attending Mass who are aged two years and older.  (Limited medical exemptions may apply.) 
• Pastors may, at their discretion, decide to retain a section of the church seating with reduced capacity. 
• Ushers may help parishioners with seating to maintain comfortable distancing. 
• Parish halls may open and all activities including the serving and consumption of food may resume. 
• Confessionals may be utilized, for either face-to-face or behind the screen confessions. 
• Contact tracing lists are not required. 
• The procession of the gifts at the Offertory may resume. 
• Communion in the hand is highly encouraged at this time.  Reception of Communion on the tongue will be permitted with the following precautions: 
• Those who wish to receive Holy Communion on the tongue are to receive Communion only from the priest and must wait until those who wish to receive on the hand have done so.   
•  The priest will observe sanitation protocols if there is physical contact with a person's hand or tongue.   
• Communion from the cup is not permitted at this time. 
• The line up to receive Holy Communion may return to the regular practice that was in place before the pandemic at the parish or mission. 
• Parishioners should self-screen for any symptoms at home and are asked not to attend Mass if they are ill.  
• Mass from the Cathedral will continue to be live-streamed on the Diocesan YouTube Channel.   Eventually, the dispensation from the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and holy days of obligation will be lifted but for the moment, it remains in place. 
• Hand sanitizers will be available for parishioner use and comfort. 
• Air circulation in the church and mission buildings will be enhanced as much as possible. 
• The Sign of Peace will continue to be offered through a gesture such as a nod or a bow. 
• The holy water fonts may be filled once again and available for those who wish to use them. 
• Parishes may return to usual practices with a full complement of Eucharistic ministers, lectors, and altar servers – with attention to social distancing wherever possible.  
• Congregational singing is permissible and members of the congregation must continue to wear the face mask even while singing. 
• Choirs may resume and the choir members may remove their face masks when singing and put the face masks back on after the song is finished.   
• Choir members and Cantors should maintain physical distance between members of different households.   
• A minimal contact offertory collection is encouraged by having the ushers extend their baskets or by placing the collection baskets at the doors. Passing the collection basket from person to person is discouraged. 
• The Children’s liturgy or the Good Shepherd catechesis program may be resumed and wearing a face mask is mandatory for the children and volunteers. 
• As noted previously, hymnals, prayer cards, etc. may be placed in the pews. 
• As noted previously, enhanced cleaning protocols are no longer required. 
• As noted previously, votive candles may be available for prayer intentions. 

Each week, the Sunday Mass celebrated at the Cathedral of St. Peter-in-Chains is taped and broadcast from the YouTube channel for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Peterborough.  Click HERE for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Peterborough YouTube channel.

RESOURCES ABOUT THE COVID-19 VACCINE

Statement from the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith

Clarification and Statement from the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops

Letter from the Bishops of Alberta/Northwest Territories

Healing the Culture

February 28, 2022

The Deacon at St. Martin of Tours Parish in Ennismore is presenting with symptoms of the COVID-19 virus.  The Deacon was at the parish's Sunday Masses on February 26 and 27, 2022.  If you have any COVID-19 symptoms, please follow the Peterborough City and County Health Unit's advice.  Let us keep one another in prayer.

February 11, 2022

The Pastor of St. Patrick Parish in Kinmount and Our Lady of Fatima Mission in Minden is experiencing the symptoms of the COVID-19 virus. The Pastor is self-isolating and following the medical health precautions. An alternate priest will be celebrating the Masses at the parish for the next two weekends. Let us keep one another in prayer!

VISITATION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY PARISH IN CAMPBELLFORD

A person attending the Daily Mass on Monday, January 10, 2022, has tested positive for the COVID-19 virus.  Please be informed and take the precautions necessary.  Click MORE INFORMATION LINK.

ST. ANTHONY MISSION IN WOODVILLE

Persons attending the Christmas Eve Mass at St. Anthony Mission in Woodville have reported they tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. Please be informed of this report and take the precautions necessary.  Click MORE INFORMATION LINK.

ST. PETER THE APOSTLE PARISH IN PARRY SOUND

A person at the 10:00 p.m. Mass on Christmas Eve at St. Peter the Apostle Parish in Parry Sound has reported a positive COVID-19 test result.  Please be informed of this report and take the precautions necessary.  Click MORE INFORMATION LINK.

ST. JOSEPH PARISH IN BOWMANVILLE

You've been exposed to someone who tested positive for COVID-19, now what?

ALERT - COVID-19 Outbreak at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Cardiff and St. John Vianney Mission in Highland Grove

The Diocese was informed on April 23, 2021 that three parishioners who attended the parish in Cardiff and six parishioners who attended the mission in Highland Grove have tested positive for the COVID-19 virus.

ALERT - COVID-19 Exposure at St. Mary Mission, Chandos Lake (Apsley)

Peterborough Health Unit Letter, April 17, 2021

ALERT - COVID-19 Exposure at the Parish Office, St. Mary Parish Grafton

There is no exposure at the Church or at its services.  The exposure occurred in the Parish Office and is internal.

APRIL 13, 2021 - ST. MARY PARISH, LINDSAY

APRIL 9, 2021 - ST. MARY PARISH IN LINDSAY

UPDATE - DAILY MASSES & THE MASSES THIS WEEKEND FOR THE FEAST OF THE BAPTISM OF OUR LORD CANCELLED - St. Luke Parish in Downeyville

The Pastor at St. Luke Parish in Downeyville is experiencing the symptoms of the COVID-19 virus.  The priest has sought medical attention and is following medical advice and the precautions & requirements of the Health Unit.  Accordingly, there will be no Daily Masses at St. Luke Parish in Downeyville.  This applies to the Daily Masses from January 3rd to 7th and the Masses on January 8th and 9th for the Feast of the Baptism of Our Lord.

DAILY MASSES CANCELLED THIS WEEK (JANUARY 3 TO 7) - St. Martin of Tours Parish in Ennismore

The Pastor at St. Martin of Tours Parish in Ennismore is experiencing the symptoms of the COVID-19 virus.  The priest is following medical guidance and the health precautions & requirements of the Health Unit.  Accordingly, there will be no Daily Masses at St. Martin of Tours Parish in Ennismore.  This applies to the Daily Masses next week.

MASSES CANCELLED AT NEW YEAR'S, ON THE WEEKEND AND NEXT WEEK - Sacred Heart Parish in Trout Creek and St. Augustine Mission in South River

The Pastor at Sacred Heart Parish in Trout Creek & the St. Augustine Mission in South River is experiencing the symptoms of the virus.  The priest is ill and following medical guidance.  Accordingly, there will be no Masses at Sacred Heart Parish in Trout Creek and St. Augustine Mission over the New Year, this weekend and next week. This will include the Masses for the Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God,  World Day of Peace at New Year's on December 31st/January 1st, the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord on January 2nd, and the Daily Masses next week.

MASSES CANCELLED AT NEW YEAR'S, ON THE WEEKEND, NEXT WEEK AND JANUARY 8/9 - St. Peter the Apostle Parish, Parry Sound

Peterborough Public Health Unit

Cathedral of St. Peter-in-Chains

Immaculate Conception Parish

Our Lady of Assumption, Otonabee

St. John the Evangelist, Keene

St. Anne Parish

St. Alphonsus Liguori Parish

Sacred Heart Parish

St. John the Baptist Parish

St. Joseph Parish, Douro

St. Thomas More Parish, Millbrook

St. Martin of Tours Parish, Ennismore

St. Paul Parish, Norwood

Our Lady of Mount Carmel Mission, Havelock

St. Paul the Apostle Parish, Lakefield

St. Jean de Brebeuf Mission, Buckhorn

Our Lady of Good Counsel Mission, Young’s Point

St. Mary of the Purification Mission, Chandos Lake

Diocesan Pastoral Centre

Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit

St. Mary Parish, Lindsay

Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Cardiff

St. John Vianney Mission, Highland Grove

Our Lady of Mercy Parish, Port Hope

Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, Hastings

Sacred Heart Mission, Harwood

Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (St. Mary) Parish, Grafton

Our Lady Queen of Peace, Bobcaygeon / St. Aloysius, Fenelon Falls

St. John Parish, Kirkfield

St. Margaret Mary Mission, Coboconk

Our Lady Help of Christians Mission, Kirkfield

St. Anthony Mission, Woodville

St. Luke Parish, Downeyville

St. Michael Parish, Cobourg

St. Patrick Parish, Kinmount

Our Lady of Fatima Mission, Minden

Holy Angels Parish, Brighton

Korean Martyrs, Brighton

St. Jerome Mission, Warkworth

Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish, Campbellford

Hastings and Prince Edward Counties Health Unit

St. Alphonsus Parish, Wooler

Durham Region Health Unit

St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Newcastle

St. Joseph Parish, Bowmanville

St. Therese Parish, Courtice

St. Bernadette Mission, Nestleton

North Bay–Parry Sound District Health Unit

St. Joseph Parish, Powassan 

St. John Mission, Nipissing  

St. Patrick Parish, Kearney 

Holy Spirit Mission, Burk’s Falls 

St. Peter the Apostle Parish, Parry Sound 

Mission of St. Peter, (Killbear) Nobel 

Sacred Heart Parish, Trout Creek 

St. Augustine Mission, South River 

St. Mary Mission, Port Loring 

Holy Family Parish, Britt 

St. Therese Mission, Pointe au Baril 

St. Michael Mission, Rosseau 

Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit

Our Lady of Mercy Parish, Honey Harbour

St. John the Baptist Mission, Port Severen

St. Joseph Parish, Bracebridge

St. John the Baptist Mission, Minett

St. Mary Parish, Huntsville

St. Kateri Tekakwitha Mission, Baysville

Mission of St. Mary of the Assumption, Dwight

St. Paul Parish, Gravenhurst

St. James the Great Parish, Mactier

St. Anne Mission, Port Carling

Employees of the Parishes and the Diocese returned to the work site as of February 22, 2022.

Please find a link to the Decree Restoring the Sunday Mass Obligation under the signatures of His Excellency Most Reverend Bishop Miehm and Fr. Ray Rick, JCL, Chancellor, dated June 10, 2022 below.

DECREE

The Ontario government has announced the end of public masking requirements in most non-medical settings effective Monday, March 21, 2022.  Churches, missions, halls and offices in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Peterborough will no longer require masking effective Monday, March 21, 2022. 

Local health units and/or municipalities may issue orders or recommendations related to the wearing of face masks if the infection levels increase in a specific area.  Where there are Orders in place from local health units that may differ from the provincial policy, parishes will comply with the Order.  Where the local unit issues a recommendation for the wearing of masks, the clergy and Extraordinary Ministers of Communion should prudently consider wearing a face mask while distributing Communion as an advisable health precaution. 

Some people will still want to wear masks in churches and offices, and they should not be discouraged from doing so.  Continuing to wear a face mask amid health precautions easing in Ontario is a "personal choice" related to the individual’s assessment of risk factors such as an underlying health condition or a family member with an underlying health condition or other personal considerations. 

While the parishes and missions pastorally welcome the return of parishioners, let us do everything possible to support the sense of welcome and kindness.  Pastors may consider continuing to maintain the physical distance of 6 feet by roping of pews in one section of the church or mission. 

Let’s make a special effort to welcome all the faithful back to church and do everything we can to ensure that people have positive experiences when they come back to their parishes and missions. 

Updates on Covid-19 Health precautions: 

• Indoor masking requirements are lifted in churches, parish halls and offices starting on Monday, March 21, 2022. 
• Churches can currently rent their halls, and food/drink can currently be served in halls. 
• Starting Monday, March 21, all Covid-19 health precautions are lifted in parish halls 
• Starting on Monday, March 21, health precautions on choir activities are lifted. 
• Clergy and lay staff who have a Covid-19 close contact or who experience symptoms or test positive for the Covid-19 virus are reminded to continue following the current health unit guidelines and provincial regulations that apply to close contacts, the onset of symptoms or a positive test result. 

Most Reverend Bishop Miehm has issued these directives for the Diocese of Peterborough which take effect on Tuesday, March 1, 2022:  

• Churches and missions may open at full capacity.   
• When the Vaccine Policy was introduced, it was noted that the provisions of the Policy would be temporary.  Accordingly, the Vaccine Policy is rescinded as of March 1, 2022, and its provisions regarding the presentation of vaccine certificates and/or testing are no longer in effect. 
• Face masks must be worn by all those attending Mass who are aged two years and older.  (Limited medical exemptions may apply.) 
• Pastors may, at their discretion, decide to retain a section of the church seating with reduced capacity. 
• Ushers may help parishioners with seating to maintain comfortable distancing. 
• Parish halls may open and all activities including the serving and consumption of food may resume. 
• Confessionals may be utilized, for either face-to-face or behind the screen confessions. 
• Contact tracing lists are not required. 
• The procession of the gifts at the Offertory may resume. 
• Communion in the hand is highly encouraged at this time.  Reception of Communion on the tongue will be permitted with the following precautions: 
• Those who wish to receive Holy Communion on the tongue are to receive Communion only from the priest and must wait until those who wish to receive on the hand have done so.   
•  The priest will observe sanitation protocols if there is physical contact with a person's hand or tongue.   
• Communion from the cup is not permitted at this time. 
• The line up to receive Holy Communion may return to the regular practice that was in place before the pandemic at the parish or mission. 
• Parishioners should self-screen for any symptoms at home and are asked not to attend Mass if they are ill.  
• Mass from the Cathedral will continue to be live-streamed on the Diocesan YouTube Channel.   Eventually, the dispensation from the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and holy days of obligation will be lifted but for the moment, it remains in place. 
• Hand sanitizers will be available for parishioner use and comfort. 
• Air circulation in the church and mission buildings will be enhanced as much as possible. 
• The Sign of Peace will continue to be offered through a gesture such as a nod or a bow. 
• The holy water fonts may be filled once again and available for those who wish to use them. 
• Parishes may return to usual practices with a full complement of Eucharistic ministers, lectors, and altar servers – with attention to social distancing wherever possible.  
• Congregational singing is permissible and members of the congregation must continue to wear the face mask even while singing. 
• Choirs may resume and the choir members may remove their face masks when singing and put the face masks back on after the song is finished.   
• Choir members and Cantors should maintain physical distance between members of different households.   
• A minimal contact offertory collection is encouraged by having the ushers extend their baskets or by placing the collection baskets at the doors. Passing the collection basket from person to person is discouraged. 
• The Children’s liturgy or the Good Shepherd catechesis program may be resumed and wearing a face mask is mandatory for the children and volunteers. 
• As noted previously, hymnals, prayer cards, etc. may be placed in the pews. 
• As noted previously, enhanced cleaning protocols are no longer required. 
• As noted previously, votive candles may be available for prayer intentions. 

February 16, 2022

January 3, 2022

December 16, 2021

Contact Information for Clergy and Staff Working Remotely

COVID-19 UPDATE - Choirs and Congregational Singing 

November 22, 2021 

Good news! 

Choirs and congregational singing in our parishes and missions may resume while observing the following health safeguards and requirements: 

1. Choir members are mainly considered as volunteers and all provisions of the Diocese of Peterborough’s Vaccination Policy (hereafter referred to as “Policy”) pertaining to volunteers apply to choir members exercising the music ministry.  Where cantors or musicians are employees or vendors to the Diocese, the provisions of the Policy pertaining to staff or vendors shall apply. Active screening for the choir members must be completed prior to attending the practice, rite, ceremony, or service, and documented attestation that they passed the screening must be kept for 30 days. https://covid-19.ontario.ca/screening/worker/
2. Choir members may remove their face masks to sing as part of a religious rite, ceremony, or service; face masks must be put back on at the end of each hymn.   
3. Choir members must be at least 2 metres or 6 feet from each other unless they are members of the same household. 
4. Choir members must be at least 2 metres or 6 feet from the congregation or have an impermeable barrier between the choir and the congregation. 
5. Hymnals may be returned to the pews. 
6. The members of the congregation are required to wear face masks.  Congregational singing is permitted but face masks must continue to be worn even while singing.  
7. If possible, open the window(s) and turn on the fan(s) to increase the circulation of air and improve ventilation. 
8. Choir practice can happen in the same fashion as noted above (i.e. Face masks may be removed to sing.) 
   • Proof of vaccination is NOT required for choir practice that takes place in the church. 
   • Proof of vaccination is required for choir practice that takes place in the Parish Hall. 
9. Proof of vaccination is required if food or drinks are included as part of the rehearsal, or there are other intended purposes for the gathering, including socialization.

ATTENDANCE AT MASS DOES NOT REQUIRE A VACCINE CERTIFICATE

FUNERALS

PARISH HALLS

Funeral receptions will not be hosted in Parish Halls at this time.

September 28, 2021

• Vaccine Certificate OR 
• a medical exemption* OR
•  a negative rapid antigen COVID-19 test from no more than 48 hours before the reception is required.

PARISH HALLS 

Parish Halls can be opened for meetings/events observing the following points listed below: 

• Participants will wear a face mask that covers the nose, mouth, and chin. 
• Physical distancing between participants/households of 6 feet or 2 metres will be maintained. 
• No food will be served. 
• Contact tracing records for the event or meeting will be maintained and kept on file for 30 days. 
• There will be no new parish hall rentals - only meetings and rentals for groups that have previously used and/or rented the parish hall will be permitted. 
• There will be no funeral or after Mass receptions in the parish halls. 
• Participants attending an event or meeting at a parish hall need to present their Vaccine Passport or a medical exemption* or a negative rapid antigen COVID-19 test from no more than 48 hours before the meeting or event as of Wednesday, September 22, 2021. 

VACCINE CERTIFICATE 

The province of Ontario is instituting a Vaccine Certificate as a temporary measure during the pandemic.  The Vaccine Certificate is not required for places of worship where a religious celebration is taking place.  However, the Vaccine Certificate is required in “meeting and event spaces.” 

A Vaccine Certificate or a medical exemption* or a negative rapid antigen COVID-19 test from no more than 48 hours before the meeting or event held in a parish hall is required.

The Vaccine Certificate will include both receipts for the two doses of the vaccine and photo identification.  The Vaccine Certificate requirement becomes effective on Wednesday, September 22nd. 

Parish halls will not be hosting funeral or wedding receptions at this time.  However, Parish Halls may be used or rented by groups that have previously used them.

Information about the Vaccine Certificate from the ON Government

*Individuals who cannot receive the vaccine due to medical exemptions will be permitted entry with a doctor’s note until recognized medical exemptions can be integrated as part of a digital vaccine certificate.

Children who are 11 years of age and younger and unable to be vaccinated will also be exempted from the Vaccine Certificate requirement. 

For the period between September 22 and October 12, 2021, people attending wedding or funeral receptions at meeting or event spaces will be able to provide a negative rapid antigen COVID-19 test from no more than 48 hours before the event as an alternative to proof of vaccination. These rapid antigen tests would need to be privately purchased.  

The Vaccine Certificate will become available through technology as a QR code and more information about this will be issued when it becomes available. 

FOOD BANKS AND AA MEETINGS HELD IN PARISH HALLS

September 16, 2021

LECTOR AND ALTAR SERVERS 

One lector and the altar server(s) may be present at each Mass as needed.  Keep a record of the names of the lectors and altar servers present at the Mass along with the date and time of the Mass.  This record can be kept for 30 days.  

SCHOOL MASSES 

School Masses may be celebrated in the school or the church.  Given that some parishes serve more than one school, online pastoral and liturgical ministry may continue as arranged with the priest and the school principal. 

SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION 

It may or may not be possible to have in-person sacramental preparation that follows the pandemic health precautions.    

If the health precautions cannot be safely observed for an in-person program at the parish, the priest will consider using the online sacramental preparation programs that can be accessed through the Diocesan website homepage.  Scroll down and the information for each sacramental preparation program offered online is visible. 

For the Sacrament of Confirmation, the program’s publisher is being contacted to see about access to the videos that accompany the Chosen program.  The access from last year has been discontinued so arrangements are being made for the upcoming year. 

PARISH HALLS 

Parish Halls can be opened for meetings/events observing the following points listed below: 

• Participants will wear a face mask that covers the nose, mouth, and chin. 
• Physical distancing between participants/households of 6 feet or 2 metres will be maintained. 
• No food will be served. 
• Contact tracing records for the event or meeting will be maintained and kept on file for 30 days. 
• There will be no new parish hall rentals - only meetings and rentals for groups that have previously used and/or rented the parish hall will be permitted. 
• There will be no funeral or after Mass receptions in the parish halls. 
• Participants attending an event or meeting at a parish hall need to present their Vaccine Passport as of September 22, 2021. 

VACCINE PASSPORT 

The province of Ontario is instituting a Vaccine Passport.  The Vaccine Passport is not required for places of worship where a religious celebration is taking place.  However, the Vaccine Passport is required in “meeting and event spaces.” 

The Vaccine Passport will include both receipts for the two doses of the vaccine and photo identification.  The Vaccine Passport requirement becomes effective on Wednesday, September 22nd. 

Individuals who cannot receive the vaccine due to medical exemptions will be permitted entry with a doctor’s note until recognized medical exemptions can be integrated as part of a digital vaccine certificate. Children who are 11 years of age and younger and unable to be vaccinated will also be exempted from these requirements. 

For the period between September 22 and October 12, 2021, people attending wedding or funeral receptions at meeting or event spaces will be able to provide a negative rapid antigen COVID-19 test from no more than 48 hours before the event as an alternative to proof of vaccination. These rapid antigen tests would need to be privately purchased.  Parish halls will not be hosting funeral or wedding receptions at this time.

The Vaccine Passport will become available through technology as a QR code and more information about this will be issued when it becomes available. 

GENERAL REMINDERS 

• Face masks are still required. 
• Physical distancing of 6 feet or 2 metres between persons/households is required. 

• Physical distancing of two metres (six feet) remains the requirement for attendance in church and parish facilities, including seating, however, groups of people from the same household may be seated together. 
• Wearing a face mask remains required.   Masks should be fitted properly to the face.
• Cleaning procedures for pews, washrooms, confessionals, reconciliation rooms are relaxed so as to require only regular cleaning in accordance with pre-Covid-19 routines, with the only exception being when someone with suspected or known Covid-19 has attended, in which case the space should be disinfected as per the pandemic manual requirements.
• Churches should be well ventilated when possible. This will vary according to the space but it should be treated with importance.  Ventilation may involve opening windows and utilising fans to exhaust air from the sanctuary.  Fan placement is important and will vary upon room configuration.  Avoid placing fans in areas where they may impede access or cause contaminated air to flow from one person to another. 
• Missals and prayer books may be replaced in pews. 
• Hymn books will not be replaced as the earlier restrictions on singing continue.
• Bulletins, envelopes, pamphlets, and newspapers may again be distributed as per pre-COVID-19 practices.
• Votive light stands may be re-opened, subject to notices requiring appropriate distancing of two metres (six feet).
• Crying Rooms and Small Chapels/Devotional Areas may be used again as long as proper distancing is maintained.
• The preference continues that confessions should be heard outside of the Confessional to allow for proper distancing, cleaning and contact tracing (if it becomes necessary). Where Confessionals are used, both priest and confessor will be required to wear masks.  Priests should employ double masking or the use of the N95 mask so as to further lower the risk of contamination.
• Collections may again be taken up using baskets in the traditional fashion.   All Ushers involved in taking up collection should ensure that they wear masks while undertaking this task and use a collection basket with a long handle to maintain the two metres (six feet) distancing.
• Hand Sanitizing – It is no longer necessary for all entering a church to use hand sanitizer, though churches are encouraged to provide hand-sanitizers should people wish to use it.  The priests and extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion should continue to use hand-sanitizers.
• Altar servers may be utilized again, as long as they maintain the two metres (six feet) distance between each other and the priest.  Altar servers and the priest need to wear face masks when distance cannot be maintained.  Altar servers from the same household do not need to maintain physical distancing.
• Deacons may return to their ministry at the altar while observing all relevant health precautions.

• Communion procedures are unchanged despite the lessening of restrictions in other areas.    Both the person distributing communion and the communicant must be fully masked.  Once the communicant receives the host, they are to move two metres (six feet) away, safely remove mask, consume host, replace mask, and then proceed back to the pew.
• Holy Water fonts at the church doors are not reopened.

The provincial government announced that Ontario will be moving to Step 3 of the “Roadmap for Reopening” plan as of 12:01 a.m. Friday, July 16, 2021.  

The Reopening Planning Committee for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Peterborough met today and issues the following directives to support the implementation of Step 3:  

CHURCHES  

In Step 3, there is no capacity limit for churches and missions. However, physical distancing of 2 metres (6 feet) is still required between parishioners attending Mass who are not from the same household.  Due to the physical distancing requirement, many churches may not realize any significant increase in capacity.   

LITURGY AND LITURGICAL MINISTRIES  

• At this time, face mask use indoors is mandatory for the celebrants and the faithful, even for those who are fully vaccinated.  
• Congregational singing is not permitted in Step 3 – however, a cantor or small choir may be utilized if singers/musicians are 3 metres from one another and any member of the congregation.  Singers/musicians from the same household do not have to distance from one another. 
• One altar server or two or more altar servers from the same household are permitted at a Mass.  Face masks must be worn, and physical distancing maintained.  
• The celebrant’s regular procession and recessional practice may resume.   
• Priests/deacons may greet parishioners after or before Mass with attention to safety precautions. 
• The offertory box will continue to be available at the back or side of the church and will not be passed among the pews.  
• These items continue to be curtailed during Step 3:  

•  
  • Song books and hymnals placed in the pews  
  • Holy Water in fonts 
  • Reception of Holy Communion on the tongue 
  • Sign of Peace 
  • Communion from the Cup 

FUNERALS  

For funerals in Step 3, the Bereavement Authority of Ontario has issued the following guidelines:  

Indoor Funeral Services  

Indoor funeral services are permitted with physical distancing of two metres (six feet) between people.  

There is no capacity limit, except for the physical distancing requirement.   

Masks or face coverings are required indoors.  

Passive screening continues: There must be passive screening of guests, meaning have COVID signage at the entrance for guests to self-assess.   

Contact tracing information must be collected. Records must be kept for 30 days.  

All attendees and staff must adhere to local public health unit restrictions.  

Outdoor Services at Cemeteries  

There is no capacity limit, except for the physical distancing requirement.  

Cemeteries may restrict access as they deem necessary.   

All attendees and staff must adhere to local public health unit restrictions.  

VARIA  

• The dispensation from the Sunday obligation continues.   
• Livestreaming of services and/or drive-in services should continue where this practice is underway.   
• Please ensure that WorshipSafe guidelines are followed.   
• Local municipal by-laws and Heath Unit Orders remain in place.        
• The COVID-19 Safety Plan must be prepared, posted in a conspicuous location, and made available upon request. 
  https://www.peterboroughdiocese.org/en/resourcesGeneral/Homepage-banners/COVID-19/COVID-19-ON-Govt-Safety-Plan/final-DioPtboParish-safety-plan-template-2021.pdf  
• For the fall sacramental preparation programs, parishes are encouraged to plan for an in-person provision of the program as well as the online availability through the Diocesan website.  

•  
  • First Reconciliation  
  • First Eucharist  
  • Confirmation  

• Outdoor social gatherings and public events (non-religious services) are permitted with a maximum of 100 people.  

June 7, 2021

May 13, 2021

APRIL 16, 2021

For all those who have died from the COVID-19 virus, locally and globally, let us remember them in our prayers; for those suffering from the COVID-19 virus and the variants of concern, for those caring for them, and for all who are impacted by the pandemic, we ask for the strength and the healing grace of God. 

APRIL 13, 2021 - ST. MARY PARISH, LINDSAY

APRIL 9, 2021 - ST. MARY PARISH IN LINDSAY

APRIL 8, 2021 KEY MESSAGES - EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AND CIVIL PROTECTION ACT STAY-AT-HOME ORDER

Letter from +Most Reverend Bishop Miehm

APRIL 1, 2021 KEY MESSAGES 

This afternoon, Premier Doug Ford announced restrictions throughout Ontario to curtail the transmission of COVID-19.  These changes will impact the churches and missions in our Diocese and will take effect as of Saturday morning, April 3, 2021 at 12:01 a.m. 

• Parish churches will remain open for Sunday and Daily Masses at 15% capacity during the 28-day lockdown. 
• The pastor may decide to close a Mission church if health precautions cannot be maintained or if the 15% capacity limit makes opening unfeasible.  
• If the parish has a reservation system, the reservations made to date will be reviewed to ensure a limit of 15% capacity for each Mass and the safety of parishioners. 
• Masses may be added to the Easter Sunday schedule and/or adjustments may be made to the reservations. 
• The Easter Triduum will be livestreamed on the Diocesan YouTube channel and the dispensation from Sunday Eucharist remains in place.
• Funerals and visitations are permitted to allow up to 15% of capacity for the entire facility with physical distancing to a maximum of 50 people for indoor services (not including funeral home staff). Parishes are asked to liaise with funeral homes prior to making arrangements with families for additional clarity. 
   

The number of COVID-19 cases in the province has risen significantly in recent days. For the safety of all, each parish will ensure WorshipSafe guidelines and the COVID-19 Safety Plan are clearly followed to protect parishioners, clergy, and staff; and that the 15% capacity limit is maintained. 

Let us keep one another in prayer and enter into a prayerful spirit of reflection and meditation on the death and resurrection of our Lord during these holy days. 

February 9, 2021

January 12, 2021

The obligation to attend Mass does not apply to those who are ill, especially those who suffer from a contagious illness. Those with flu-like symptoms should remain at home in order not to spread the virus to others.  

Effective January 7, 2021, +Most Rev. Bishop Miehm has given his permission for the celebration of Daily Mass in the parishes of the Diocese of Peterborough for a maximum of 10 people, including the celebrant, during the period of provincial lockdown because of COVID-19.

December 7, 2020

Memorial of St. Ambrose

Dear Clergy, Religious and Lay Faithful of the Diocese of Peterborough,

As the season of Advent progresses, it is a time of longing and expectation like no other.  We continue to pray for health, wellbeing, and a return to normal life, but we know that the COVID-19 pandemic will be with us for a while still.

Since the re-opening of our churches in June we have worked diligently as clergy and parishioners, in partnership with public health officials, to implement our Worship Safe guidelines and ensure the health and welfare of our people.   I wish to thank you for your patience and your diligent efforts in this regard.  They have allowed our parishes to promote the spiritual lives of the faithful while also attending to their physical health.  As Catholics, we follow the prudent restrictions that are outlined in these protocols as a matter of good citizenship and as an exercise of our faith.  Moreover, they help us to fulfill the obligations of charity and justice toward our neighbour.

While a certain amount of pandemic fatigue is understandable, it is important for all of us to redouble our efforts to follow the Worship Safe protocols.   The Assembly of Ontario Bishops Worship Safe Committee has recently released some enhanced protocols to ensure the wellbeing of the people who come to our churches.   This is important as we head into the winter months and as we are seeing a great surge in the number of cases in our province.  We must be diligent about wearing masks at church and continue to practice safe physical distancing – at least 2 meters if not in the same household.   This allows us to have confidence in each other and assures the civil authorities that we are being responsible in what we are doing to follow public health guidelines here in our Diocese.

With the recent, dramatic increase in the number of cases in our province, I wish to reaffirm our stated policy on the reception of Communion.  Holy Communion must be received on the hand rather than the tongue during this time.  While reception on the tongue remains normative in our Church, it is good to recall that the practice of receiving on the hand is an ancient and venerable one.  As long ago as the 4th century, St. Cyril of Jerusalem wrote, “In approaching therefore, come not with your wrists extended or your fingers spread; but make your left hand a throne for the right, as for that which is to receive a King.”  I am aware that this is a sensitive matter for some. Canon law reminds us that the exercise of our rights in the Church must take account of the common good and our duty toward others (C. 223 §1).  Therefore, I ask that those whose practice is to receive Holy Communion on the tongue, set aside this right for the sake of others.  This practice of charity and fraternity will be an expression of who we are as the Church.  

It is also important that physical distancing be maintained during the procession for Holy Communion and that masks be worn – they are to be removed at the moment of reception using the straps, without touching the front of the mask. 

I thank you for your attention to and cooperation with these protocols which have been implemented for the wellbeing of all who come to our churches.  With you, I pray for an end to this pandemic with the hopes that we might return to a more typical celebration of the Mass sometime in 2021. 

May God bless you abundantly in this joyful Advent and Christmas time, and may you and your family members be safe and well.

Yours in Christ,

+Most. Rev. Daniel Miehm

Bishop of Peterborough

GUIDANCE FOR THE CHRISTMAS MASSES AND THE POSSIBILITY OF OUT-OF-TOWN VISITORS  

GUIDANCE FOR THE CHRISTMAS MASSES AND THE POSSIBILITY OF OUT-OF-TOWN VISITORS  

It is anticipated that the Christmas festivities will look a little different this year.   However, what remains constant is the joy with which we welcome the celebration of Jesus' Birth. 

The regional Health Units have affirmed that celebrating Christmas with your immediate household is the safest option, and everyone has been encouraged to think twice about visits with people living in areas of high transmission. Plainly, the Health Units say that the best advice is to avoid non-essential travel, especially to and from areas of high transmission to areas of low transmission, and to find other ways to celebrate this year.    

However, no one who has pre-registered for a Mass at a parish or who arrives at a parish where the seating capacity of 30% has not been reached, will be turned away.  All are welcome as possible given the capacity restrictions in place for our churches.  

There is a dispensation in place from the obligation to attend Mass.  If you are concerned about your health, have travelled outside of the country in the past 14 days, are feeling unwell, experiencing a symptom associated with COVID-19 or awaiting a COVID-19 test result, it is important to stay at home and to consider praying with the Mass broadcast on television or through social media. 

These provisions are intended to safeguard good health: 

• Follow the designation of doors for entering and exiting at the church. 

• Sanitize your hands thoroughly and frequently. 

• Sit in an area where you have a 6-foot or 2-meter circumference of distance from others. 

• Wear a face mask.  If you cannot wear the face mask due to a medical exemption, consider a face shield. 

• When lining up to receive Holy Communion, wear your face mask, keep 6-feet/2-metres of distance from others and receive Holy Communion in the hand. 

• Provide your contact information for the purpose of contact tracing. 

Should the church's capacity limit be reached and it is not permissible to seat more people in the church, your understanding and patience are appreciated.  We encourage you to consider watching the televised Mass from the Cathedral of St. Peter-in-Chains on Cogeco YourTV or other broadcasts on Salt & Light TV, EWTN, Shalom World TV, Daily TV Mass, Catholic TV, and Vatican Media Live. 

Let us heed the advice we have received, follow the practices we have put in place, and continue to look after one another this Christmas. 

UPDATES FROM BISHOP MIEHM

UPDATES FROM BISHOP MIEHM

Bishop Miehm's Statement about the Provincial Shutdown, December 22, 2020

Letter from Bishop Miehm - December 7, 2020

Update - November 10, 2020

Adapted Liturgical Text - Celebrating the Sacrament of Confirmation during the Pandemic

Decree for Celebrating the Sacrament of Confirmation during the Pandemic

Consecration of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Peterborough to Mary, Mother of the Church

Easter Sunday Mass Livestream

Easter Message - Letter

Easter Message Video

Chrism Mass Homily - March 30, 2020

Decree for Holy Week and the Celebration of the Paschal Triduum

COGECO Sunday program on March 29, 2020

Message from Bishop Miehm - March 19, 2020

His Excellency Most Reverend Bishop Miehm's Video Message about Reopening the Parishes

Letter from +His Excellency Most Reverend Bishop Miehm, June 10, 2020.

Letter from Most Reverend Bishop Miehm regarding the Reopening Process - May 19, 2020

End of Life Decision-Making and Advance Care Planning

Update #4 - March 30, 2020

Update #3 - March 24, 2020

Update #2 - March 17, 2020

Update #1 - March 13, 2020

Statement - March 6, 2020

MASS AVAILABLE ELECTRONICALLY

Masses on the YouTube Channel for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Peterborough

LIVE-STREAMING OF THE MASS

Click HERE for the parish locations, dates, and times for the live-streaming of Masses.

RESOURCES

Catholicism in the Time of Coronavirus

WAY OF THE CROSS

The Way of the Cross is cancelled for this year due to the pandemic.  Please click this link to view the At the Foot of the Cross, the Way of the Cross which was filmed in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Peterborough in 2016. 

WE PRAY

ANOINTING OF THE SICK - Printable Version

POPE FRANCIS' PRAYER FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

PRAYER RESOURCES 

TELEVISED DAILY MASS

RESOURCES FOR MASS

PRAYER FOR A SPIRITUAL COMMUNION

HOLY WEEK AT HOME, 2020