We are following the guidelines from the Federal, Provincial and Ottawa Health authorities. We are revising our protocols as policies are updated.
If someone is concerned enough to get a COVID-19 test, they should also be concerned about the potential to be asymptomatic and pass COVID-19 onto others without knowing it. So if someone is going for a test, they and their family should stay home until the test results come in, and depending on the results potentially longer. The obligation to attend Sunday Mass is still lifted. We have livestream options. So please stay home if you or someone in your household is awaiting test results.
The only exception would be if you fall into the Lowest Risk category (see link below), where you had "NO close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19, NO travel outside of Canada, and NO symptoms. You should self-monitor, but you are NOT required to self-isolate while you wait for your test result."
If you are awaiting test results, and even if you have your results (Positive or Negative) please see the following chart on what the Government is asking of you:
Also please see the Class Order given to all those in Ottawa from Dr. Vera Etches on September 22, 2020.
This is not because we don't need your money. We do, and we appreciate your generosity in wanting to support your parish during this time. However, all the money and cheques that come in require money counters and people to properly deal with the money. This brings more people in contact with one another along with the money and paper from various people. We want to minimize this as much as possible, and so we encourage you to find new ways to give online if you are able. For more information on the different ways to give click here.
Yes, you can! Although the process is a little different than in the past. You can either call the parish office or email the parish office, explaining that you would like to schedule a Mass intention and recieve a card.
For Unannounced Mass Intentions:
The office will get back to you to confirm and sort out the details including payment options. Then a Mass card will be mailed to you.
For Announced Mass Intentions:
The office will get back to you to confirm and sort out the details including payment options. Then a Mass card will be mailed to you. Then a Mass card will be mailed to you.
Please note that we will only be schedueling one announced intention per Mass. We are only booking for the year, and not several years in advance. Limit of 5 Announced Mass Intentions per year (in order to let others have opportunity to book announced intentions).
To view monthly announced intentions click here.
Yes. The priests are happy to bless items for you. We ask that you ask the priest following a weekday Mass, or you can always email or phone and schedule a time for the blessing.
Yes
We are still not able to make parts of the building available for various ministry groups due to COVID-19. Even our office staff are using online tools for meeting and working from home as much as possible.
The number of active cases continues to increase. We will monitor the situation and discern possibilities. However, at this point we are still finding it difficult to maintain the basic volunteers needed to help register, usher and clean the Church so that weekend and daily Masses can happen. We are encouraging ministries to find ways of meeting online, and even looking at ways at ministering at St. Maurice in different roles during COVID-19 so that we can keep the sacraments available. Ministry leaders can speak with Dcn. Kevin O'Shea for more information.
While much of the world continues to be locked down in various forms due to COVID-19, the sacraments and God's grace are never locked down. However, the way in which they are ministered may look different though.
For information on the various sacraments, please look at the Sacraments drop down menu on our website for more information.
We are continuing to explore ways of running various ministries online, whether that is Alpha, CCO Faith Studies, sacramental prep etc. We also encourage you to look into creative ways of gathering as a community online and staying connected with your fellow parishioners during these difficult times.
Due to COVID-19, our adoration chapel is too small and its airflow is inadequate to meet COVID-19 protocols. While we recognize the great desire to pray, we need to ensure safety as well. At this time we do not forsee the adoration chapel re-opening for quite a while. The parish however, is resuming adoration in the Church on Tuesday nights, and we are having opportunities for parking lot adoration.
Please visit our Confession's page for more information about the latest protocols and times for confession. Confessions | St Maurice Parish
The pandemic has placed an extra burden on the parish to set-up, track attendance, sanitize etc. In addition to those realities, moving online has also increased the work, as does reaching out to parishioners who cannot attend at this time. The parish needs many volunteers to continue to make this work and expand our opportunities to minister safely. If you want more info, and are comfortable helping at this time, please click here.