Bishop Colli announces the following measures as the way the Catholic Community will assist in slowing the spread of COVID-19:
All weekend Masses on March 21 & 22 and on March 28 & 29 are cancelled in all parishes throughout the Diocese of Thunder Bay. Bishop Colli grants the faithful a dispensation from their Sunday obligation on these weekends.
On these Sundays, the faithful are encouraged to participate in some form of Spiritual Communion at home: view Mass on television or online, reflect on the Scripture readings, pray the Rosary or other devotions.
During this time, funerals will be celebrated only if absolutely necessary, and with certain conditions. Contact the Parish for further details.
Weekday Masses and devotions may continue provided that the precautionary measures already introduced are maintained, and that social distancing of at least 1 meter between persons is practiced at these gatherings. At weekday Masses, Communion will be given on the hand only.
The public health situation will be assessed prior to Holy Week, and a notice will be sent out regarding the Mass of Chrism and Holy Week Liturgies.
What does this mean for us at Corpus?
We will continue to celebrate weekday Mass, as well as Adoration, Rosary and Stations of the Cross as per the weekday schedule. The church will remain open during the week (Tuesday – Friday, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm) for personal prayer.
In our efforts to support social distancing, in-person visits to the Parish Office will be limited to those who have made appointments. Most business with the Parish can be conducted by phone (345-6541), or email (office@corpuschristi-tbay.ca).
Please note, that the Parish Mission scheduled for March 22 – 24, and the Lenten Penitential Service scheduled for March 26 are cancelled.
These measures are signs of Christian concern and charity for the most vulnerable in our Faith Family and in society. Above all, these measures remind us of the sacrifices we are called to make during this season of Lent: they open our eyes so that we may see more clearly the needs of our neighbours, to respond to them, and make us better neighbours in return.
While we experience these days of change and uncertainty, my dear People of God remember this: Faith is not cancelled, Hope is not cancelled, Love is not cancelled.