On March 9, 2022, the Ontario Chief Medical Officer of Health announced effective Monday, March 21, 2022, the end of public masking requirements except in select settings such as public transit, health care settings, long-term care homes and congregate care settings. As such, our churches, halls and offices will also no longer require masking starting on March 21, 2022.
This change will be stressful for some members of our community. The transition to masks becoming optional may make some parishioners feel anxious. Some will choose to continue wearing a mask in churches, halls and offices, and they should not be discouraged from doing so. How we manage different attitudes to mask wearing will require understanding and patience as we each deal with our own comfort levels and particular health challenges. The important thing is to respect where each person is in their journey.
The archbishop is extending the dispensation from attending Mass in person on Sunday until the vigil Mass for Palm Sunday, April 09th, in time for the Holy Week liturgies. Beginning on Palm Sunday, parishioners are invited once again to attend Mass in person unless for reasons of health they cannot do so at this time. I remind all Catholics that the obligation to attend Sunday Mass does not apply if for health reasons you cannot attend Mass in person.
During Lent, as we prepare to celebrate the pivotal moments of our faith, please make a special effort to welcome the faithful back to church and do everything you can to ensure people have positive experiences when they return to our parishes.