REOPENING OF PLACES OF WORSHIP AS OF JUNE 22, 2020

JUNE 21, 2020

REOPENING OF CHURCHES

The Quebec government has authorized the reopening of places of worship as of June 22, now permitting public gatherings of up to 50 people.

If you are able to join our volunteer team that will prepare the reopening and maintaining of our church for public access, please contact Fr. MacEachen at 514‑932‑3131.

A MESSAGE TO PARISHIONERS

Dear Parishioners,

You may have heard that the Quebec government has authorized the reopening of places of worship as of June 22, now permitting public gatherings of up to 50 people.

In addition, we have recently received guidelines from the Archdiocese regarding the steps to take in order to reopen our church in a safe, secure manner.

While the procedures suggested by the Archdiocese will be our guide to re-opening, like all parishes, we face our own challenges and need to adopt our own timeline for welcoming parishioners back, while respecting the guidelines. Be assured that our first priority will be to ensure your personal safety by implementing the necessary health and security measures.

At this stage, our pastoral team is accessing how to implement the safety guidelines in keeping with the needs, resources and character of our parish.

The guidelines also recommend a gradual re-opening, beginning with making the church available for private personal prayer and offering the Sacrament of Reconciliation, before conducting public services.

Please be assured that we will make every effort to keep you informed of our plan of action, using the communications means available to our parish including email, telephone and/or our website.

If you are able to join our volunteer team that will prepare the reopening and maintaining of our church for public access, please contact me at 514-932-3131.

Adjusting to life under the threat of COVID-19 during these past few months has not been easy for any of us. But despite our physical separation from one another, I remain confident and united to you in spiritual communion. Thank you for your ongoing support and cooperation as we begin our phase of gradual “deconfinement.”

Rev. Lawrence MacEachen
Pastor

DONATIONS

Parishioners who are able are invited to continue to make their weekly church donations (“collection”).

Envelopes can be left at the office (put through the mail slot), sent by mail, or click here to DONATE NOW.

FOOD BANK DONATION

We have a new tradition in our parish to support the hungry on a more continuous basis. Over 860,000 Canadians visit food banks every month, with over 36% of the donations feeding hungry children.

During the COVID‑19 isolation, please leave your items in a bag at the door of the rectory. Donations will be delivered to St. Willibrord’s parish food bank.

A list of suggestions for nutritious non-perishable items is HERE.

Prayer for Peace in Days of Uncertainty

Loving God, we come to you full of anxiety about what may happen in the coming days and weeks. Shower us with the peace Jesus promised to His disciples and make us into steady pillars for those around us. In this time of uncertainty and epidemic, wake us up to the reminder that we are not alone.

Even as we are asked to keep our distance from others, help us to find ways to reach out to those who need our support. We pray especially for those whose incomes and livelihoods are threatened; for the children who will miss meals due to school closures; for those already isolated, lonely and scared. Loving God, give them your peace, and through our hands ensure they have what they need.

Sustain, strengthen and protect all caregivers. Bless them as they offer compassionate care and show selfless courage in the face of risk.
Remind us, each time we wash our hands, that in our baptism you call us to let go of our fears and live in joy, peace, and hope.

Amen.

COVID‑19 RESOURCES: Archdiocese of Montreal  

Our Archdiocese has set up a web page designed to provide ongoing relevant information amid current COVID‑19 concerns, including. the latest guidelines, related articles and spiritual resources >>>

The diocese has also created a spiritual help‑line to offer support during the pandemic: 1‑888‑305‑0994