COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Precautions, Practices, and Resources
in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Peterborough
APRIL 16, 2021
PREMIER FORD'S ANNOUNCEMENT TODAY - KEY MESSAGES FOR THE DIOCESE OF PETERBOROUGH
Premier Doug Ford announced that as of Monday. April 19, 2021, the capacity for places of worship is limited to a cap of 10 people including the celebrant and liturgical ministers. The cap of 10 people applies to weddings, baptisms, and funerals. The cap of 10 people also applies to services held outdoors.
- NORTHERN DEANERY – Effective Monday, April 19, 2021, pastors who determine that it is safe and feasible to do so will celebrate Sunday and weekday Masses publicly for 10 people including the celebrant and liturgical ministers.
- PETERBOROUGH, CENTRAL AND SOUTHERN DEANERIES – Effective Monday, April 19, 2021, priests may celebrate weekday Mass for a maximum of 10 people including the celebrant and liturgical ministers, if the pastor deems it safe and feasible. There will be no public celebration of the Sunday Mass. Pastors will strive to open the churches on Sundays for private prayer. There will only be one door opened at the church and a designated point person will monitor the number of people in the church ensuring that the cap of 10 is maintained while the church is open.
- BAPTISMS, WEDDINGS, AND FUNERALS: Baptisms, weddings and funerals will proceed observing the capacity limit of 10 people.
- ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF PETERBOROUGH YOUTUBE CHANNEL - The Sunday Mass is available on the YouTube channel for the Diocese.
- HEALTH PRECAUTIONS: All health precautions must be observed including the requirement to maintain contact tracing records.
- VACCINATION – Parishioners are encouraged to read the materials about the COVID-19 vaccination on this webpage.
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
- The clergy and staff exposed to the COVID-19 virus at St. Mary Parish in Lindsay have followed the direction of the Haliburton Kawartha Pine Ridge District Health Unit and the Ross Memorial Hospital.
- This concern has been resolved.
- Daily Mass will resume at the parish on Thursday, April 15, 2021.
- Thank you for your understanding, support, and prayers - especially your prayers for those suffering from the COVID-19 virus.
APRIL 9, 2021 - ST. MARY PARISH IN LINDSAY
- Clergy and staff at St. Mary Parish rectory have been exposed to the COVID-19 virus. They will follow the direction of the Haliburton Kawartha Pine Ridge Health Unit.
- To ensure that every health precaution is taken, the clergy and staff exposed to the virus will absent themselves from St. Mary’s at this time.
- The schedule for Sunday Masses this weekend will be celebrated as usual at the parish.
- However, the Saturday morning Mass on April 9th and the Daily Masses from April 11th to 15th are cancelled.
- We want to reassure the parishioners of St. Mary Parish that we will follow the direction of the Health Unit, the parish’s COVID-19 Safety Plan, and the WorshipSafe guidelines, to look after the health of the priests, staff, and the parishioners.
- Let us continue to pray for all those impacted locally and globally by the pandemic, those who are suffering from the virus, and for everyone’s good health.
For further and updated information, please consult the PARISH WEBSITE.
APRIL 8, 2021 KEY MESSAGES - EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AND CIVIL PROTECTION ACT STAY-AT-HOME ORDER
- The provincial government declared a 28-day State of Emergency and issued a Stay-at-Home Order yesterday. These measures are in addition to the Emergency Brake Shutdown that took effect on Holy Saturday.
- The 15% capacity limit for places of worship remains in place, and therefore parish churches are open for Sunday and Daily Masses. The Missions may be opened or closed at the discretion of the pastor.
- The Stay-at-Home Order does not apply to parishioners making the trip from home to the church. (Legislation reference - EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AND CIVIL PROTECTION ACT STAY-AT-HOME ORDER, SCHEDULE I, 1. (1). 24.)
- Adhering to the COVID-19 Safety Plan and the WorshipSafe guidelines is critically important as the province undertakes these measures to curtail the spread of the COVID-19 virus, especially the Variants of Concern (VOC).
- The Roman Catholic Diocese of Peterborough has a YouTube channel. The Sunday Mass will be live-streamed from the Cathedral of St. Peter-in-Chains starting at 5:00 p.m. on Saturdays until further notice. The Masses will be available thereafter on the YouTube channel.
- Let us continue to care for and look after one another's good health during this third wave of the pandemic.
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.
Peterborough Public Health Unit - GREY ZONE (April 3, 2021 to May 1, 2021)
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 - GREY ZONE (April 3, 2021 to May 1, 2021)
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 - GREY ZONE (April 3, 2021 to May 1, 2021)
St. Alphonsus Parish, Wooler
Durham Region Health Unit - GREY ZONE (April 3, 2021 to May 1, 2021)
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 - GREY ZONE (April 3, 2021 to May 1, 2021)
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 - GREY ZONE (April 3, 2021 to May 1, 2021)
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 will work from home as much as possible in consultation with their supervisor.
Employees in consultation with their supervisors will continue to work from home as much as possible until Tuesday, April 6, 2021 - at which the return of the staff to the regular work site is expected and will be confirmed.
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
ARCHIVED MESSAGES
| April 1, 2021 - "Emergency Brake Shutdown" |
| Letter from +Most Reverend Bishop Miehm |
| February 9, 2021 - Premier Doug Ford's Announcement |
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February 9, 2021
Premier Doug Ford made an Announcement yesterday concerning the rate of COVID-19 infections in the province, the impact of these infections, and the legislated provisions to curtail the spread of the virus. The Premier noted that while progress has been made and he encouraged everyone to continue staying at home as much as possible, the province remains in a medical emergency.
The Stay-at-Home Order will end for the Hastings-Prince Edward Counties Health Unit as of Wednesday, February 10 at 12:01 a.m. This applies to St. Alphonsus Church, Wooler. Once the Order is lifted, the Hastings and Prince Edward counties transition back to the colour-coded Framework which details a 30% limit for churches. Daily Mass and Sunday Mass at 30% capacity observing all other pandemic health precautions will resume at St. Alphonsus Church in Wooler as of Wednesday, February 10th.
The rest of the Diocese remains under the Stay-at-Home Order until Tuesday, February 16, 2021. As of 12:01 a.m. on Tuesday, February 16, the Diocese of Peterborough will transition to the colour-coded Framework. Each of the 5 regional Health Units serving the Diocese (Peterborough, Durham, HKPR, Simcoe-Muskoka, and North Bay-Parry Sound) will designate whether the jurisdiction is lockdown continued, grey, red, orange, yellow, or green.
Employees working from home as much as possible Employees of the parishes and the Diocese will work from home until February 16, 2021, and work from home as much as possible thereafter in consultation with their pastor/supervisor.
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| January 12, 2021 - Declaration of a Second State of Emergency related to the Pandemic |
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January 12, 2021
Premier Doug Ford declared a second provincial emergency which went into effect yesterday and the Premier has also issued a Stay-at-Home Order which goes into effect on Thursday, January 14, 2021, at 12:01 a.m. The State of Emergency and the Stay-at-Home Order will remain in effect until February 10, 2021.
Here is a summary of the implications for churches of the State of Emergency and the Stay-at-Home Order.
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.
+Most Reverend Bishop Miehm continues to dispense the faithful from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass.
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| January 6 2021 - Permission for Daily Mass with 10 People including the Celebrant |
| January 6 2021
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 - Letter from Most Rev. Bishop Miehm |
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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 |
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GUIDANCE FOR THE CHRISTMAS MASSES AND THE POSSIBILITY OF OUT-OF-TOWN VISITORS |
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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:
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 MIEHMBishop Miehm's Statement about the Provincial Shutdown, December 22, 2020 Letter from Bishop Miehm - December 7, 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 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 |
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MASS AVAILABLE ELECTRONICALLY
Masses on the YouTube Channel for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Peterborough
LIVE-STREAMING OF THE MASSClick HERE for the parish locations, dates, and times for the live-streaming of Masses.
RESOURCESCatholicism in the Time of Coronavirus
WAY OF THE CROSSThe 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 PRAYANOINTING OF THE SICK - Printable Version POPE FRANCIS' PRAYER FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY |
REOPENING PLAN FOR THE DIOCESE
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)
NOTE: The most current updates from the Reopening Planning Committee for the Diocese of Peterborough follow below.
Worship Safe in Pictures and Points (A Summary)
Video - How to Worship Safely
As of October 2, 2020, the Ontario Provincial Regulation mandates the wearing of face masks in all public places including places of worship. This provincial regulation applies to the Cathedral and all parishes of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Peterborough.
Face Coverings / Face Masks, July 10, 2020, Updated September 28, 2020, July 16 2020, July 20, 2020, July 29, 2020
ONGOING UPDATES FROM THE REOPENING PLANNING COMMITTEE FOR THE DIOCESE OF PETERBOROUGH
GOVERNMENT OF ONTARIO FRAMEWORK FOR HEALTH MEASURES
The Government of Ontario has a new framework for the description of COVID-19 health precautions. The Health Unit in each area will determine the level of risk and accordingly, the health precautions to be put in place.
The Framework has five levels: Green – prevent, Yellow – protect, Orange – restrict, Red – control and Lockdown. A description of the five stages in the framework follows. It is the authority and responsibility of the local Health Unit to determine and monitor the stage for their regional jurisdiction.
SINGING AT MASS
Permission is now given for the use of a single cantor at Mass.
- Group singing is still strongly discouraged.
- Anyone singing or playing wind or brass instruments should be 2 metres from anyone else and separated by an impermeable barrier. If an impermeable barrier is not used, anyone singing or playing wind or brass instruments should be separated from any other person (outside of the same household or social circle) to the greatest extent possible (but at least 2 metres).
For more information, see: COVID-19 Advice: Religious Services, Rites or Ceremonies, Ministry of Health, August, 2020.
PARISH BULLETINS AND OFFERTORY ENVELOPES
Parishes may prepare paper parish bulletins effective immediately and plan a touchless way to make parish bulletins available to parishioners. Similarly, for the distribution of offertory envelopes, parishes will do so in a manner that avoids touching and the gathering of people around a table.
SUNDAY MISSALS AND MISSALETTES
Parishes can order missals and/or missalettes for parishioners and plan a touchless way to deliver the missals/missalettes. If the parish orders missals/missalettes, follow the same guidelines as noted above for parish bulletins and offertory envelopes. Advise parishioners that paper items left in the church during the pandemic will be collected and put in the recycle bin.
Parishioners can order the Living with Christ missalette through this weblink or by calling 1-514-523-6222.
SALE OF GOODS AT THE PARISHES
Please do not host or hold events for the purpose of selling items such as but not limited to Christmas cards, calendars, Holy Land items, etc. Any such items not essential to the operation of our parishes should not be sold at this time.
PARISH HALLS, EVENTS, AND SOCIAL GATHERINGS
Hold on gatherings and events
In order to support provincial recommendations and provide increased protection for our community, Peterborough Public Health is advising that short-term events, such as craft shows, running races, and hobby shows, be suspended until further notice. These events tend to promote gathering and draw attendees from both near and far for non-essential purposes.
Our request to suspend any approvals of these types of events is in line with O. Reg. 364/20, Schedule 1 Section 2 - (2) The person responsible for a business or organization that is open shall operate the business or organization in compliance with the advice, recommendations and instructions of public health officials, including any advice, recommendations or instructions on physical distancing, cleaning or disinfecting.
Additionally, as we move into the holiday season, we will not be approving any applications for parades, unless they are modified to meet the Regulation.
Source: Peterborough City and County Health Unit, November 9, 2020.
The use of a cantor at funerals and weddings is permitted now, so that those liturgies may be celebrated with more solemnity. This will also allow a greater and more sensitive pastoral response to families as they gather for these liturgies. It is crucial that the musician and cantor should practice safe physical distancing from each other and from the congregation while carrying out their ministry. Since singing projects droplets into the air with greater force than speaking, the restriction on congregational singing remains in force. It would be advisable to announce that at funerals and weddings so that people are reminded that this restriction remains in place for the well-being and safety of all.
No singing at daily Mass or Sunday Mass - only instrumental music that does not encourage singing.
Deacons will continue to refrain from ministry directly at the altar: that is, the deacon should not prepare the chalice or raise the chalice at the conclusion of the Eucharistic prayer. The deacon may proceed with other aspects of his liturgical ministry, i.e. proclaiming the Gospel, preaching when assigned, announcing invitations during the Mass, assisting in the distribution of Holy Communion. If it is the custom, the deacon may also do the general preparation of the altar after the Universal Prayer, provided he is at a sufficient physical distance from the priest.
FACE COVERINGS AND MASKS
The Sacramental Preparation Committee is reviewing the sacramental preparation programs for the sacraments of Reconciliation, Eucharist, Confirmation, and Marriage. The committee members will be discussing these issues and providing options for the consideration of the Reopening Planning Committee.
Contact your parish and click on the links below for more information about sacramental preparation for these sacraments:
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.