My
dear faithful of the Archdiocese of Toronto,
I
wish to provide you with a further update on our response as a Christian
community to the COVID-19 situation which is evolving rapidly. Today, the
Premier of Ontario has declared a state of emergency.
Once
again in the history of our archdiocese we are in the midst of an epidemic. I
am deeply grateful for the priests, deacons and lay pastoral workers of the
archdiocese who have acted in this emergency with such loving pastoral care. We
are called to ensure that this continues even more in the time ahead. For
example, I encourage all pastors to organize the members of their parish to
assist those who are isolated and vulnerable, especially the elderly, while
always following the directions of the health authorities.
For
the duration of this health emergency, I decree that the following be
implemented in all parishes, missions and chaplaincies throughout the
Archdiocese of Toronto:
Mass
– In view of the requirements of the Government of Ontario, during this medical
emergency, beginning Tuesday, March 17, 2020, I instruct that all public Masses
be cancelled, both during the week and on the weekend. Churches will be
available for individual private prayer.
The
priests of the archdiocese will celebrate Mass every day privately for the
intentions of the people.
The
faithful will be able to watch, via livestream, a Mass which will be celebrated
every day at 7:30 a.m. at St. Michael's Cathedral Basilica, which will be
followed by the Angelus and the Rosary. I will personally celebrate this Mass
as much as is possible. This Mass, Rosary and Angelus will also be available on
the Archdiocese of Toronto's YouTube channel for those who cannot join at 7:30
a.m. These Masses and prayers will be offered for the intentions of everyone as
we go through these trying times.
In
addition, Mass will be broadcast daily on Salt & Light Catholic MediaFoundation, VisionTV (Daily TV Mass) and EWTN.
So
many of our brothers and sisters in Christ around the world are deprived of the
opportunity to celebrate the Holy Eucharist, for many reasons. Due to this
health emergency we also will now experience their suffering. Perhaps this
sacrifice will help us to cherish more profoundly the great gift of the Holy
Eucharist. There is no substitute for personally participating in the Holy Sacrifice
of the Mass, which is the source and summit of our life in Christ, and we pray
for the time when this may be universally available once more.
It
is important to follow carefully the provisions of the health authorities, but
it also essential that our spiritual life be enhanced and strengthened all the
more during this crisis. At this time, when we are reminded of the brevity of
life and of our own mortality, we are called to go deeper to our spiritual
foundations. I encourage all people who remain at home and who are cut off from
regular social interaction to engage in prayer – to pray the Rosary, to read
the Scriptures and to offer prayers for those who are suffering the most in
this crisis. We should also pray for the health care workers and others who are
engaged in fighting this pandemic on the frontlines.
Baptism
– At this time, communal celebrations of Baptism are not allowed. Individual
Baptism is allowed with immediate family and following the regulations
established by the health authorities.
RCIA
– I dispense the catechumens from the scrutinies. Information will be sent out
later on the Triduum and reception into the Church.
First
Holy Communion, First Reconciliation and Confirmation will be postponed for the
duration of the emergency.
Sacrament
of Reconciliation – Communal celebrations of the Sacrament of Reconciliation
are not allowed at this time. All those who wish to receive the sacrament
should contact a priest. The sacrament is to be celebrated not in a
confessional but rather in another location, where confidentiality may be
ensured and where the distance required by the health officials can be
maintained.
Marriage
– Marriages without Mass may take place with the immediate family members,
provided they follow the regulations established by the health authorities. The
postponement of the wedding may be requested given these circumstances, but if
this is granted there may be a need for revision of the canonical requirements.
Marriage
Preparation is very important. At this time, however, marriage preparation
classes are cancelled and pastors are to arrange for individual couples to be
prepared properly for marriage.
Visits
to the Sick and Homebound should continue as much as possible. As previously
communicated, visiting clergy and volunteers should take direction from the
health care facility. Parishes should also take care to contact the homebound
and vulnerable.
Funerals
– During this emergency, there will be no vigils or wake services. The Rite of
Committal will take place with the immediate family at the cemetery. There will
be no funeral Mass at this time, but we encourage the celebration of a funeral
Mass at a later date when it is possible.
Parish
Meetings and Events are cancelled at this time.
Parish
Offices – While parish offices may offer more limited operating hours, they
should maintain an active presence in the community and be accessible to the
faithful. Parishes are encouraged to follow the direction of the Archdiocese of
Toronto's Human Resources department, providing flexibility for staff as
appropriate. The Archdiocese of Toronto's Catholic Pastoral Centre will also
follow this practice, ensuring that offices remain accessible.
We
will review our emergency provisions regularly in accord with the requirements
of the public health officials and we will provide updates at:
www.archtoronto.org/covid19.
While
it is a painful moment in the life of the Church to take these extreme
measures, we pray that they will aid in combating the pandemic that has
affected so many in our own community and around the world.
Once
again, we pray for those suffering and for those who are caring for the sick.
We are facing many trials during our Lenten journey this year. We take these to
prayer, and look for opportunities to be the face of Jesus to all those whom we
encounter. May God continue to bless you.
In
Christ,
Thomas
Cardinal Collins
Archbishop
of Toronto
