Thank you for your feedback regarding the recent experience of Sunday Mass in the midst of the COVID-19 outbreak. Given the directives of Health Care professionals responding to COVID19, the following will be implemented in the Diocese of Hamilton effective immediately: SUNDAY MASSES Until further notice, I ask that each Pastor privately celebrate one Sunday Mass for the intentions of the people of his parish, as required by Canon Law (c. 534). The faithful in their homes are to be united in prayer with their Pastor. As Diocesan Bishop, I hereby dispense the faithful from the obligation to participate in the Sunday Mass (c. 87), until we are again able to assemble for the Lord’s Day, in accord with the directives of health authorities. WEEKDAY MASSES Until further notice all public celebrations of weekday Masses are suspended. FUNERALS Funeral Masses and receptions in Parishes are not permitted at this time. The Rite of Committal may be celebrated at the cemetery with immediate family members present. A Funeral Mass may be celebrated at a later date. BAPTISM The Sacrament of Baptism may be celebrated privately with immediate family members present. Communal celebrations of Baptism are to be postponed until further notice. MARRIAGE All Marriage Preparation Courses have been cancelled until the end of May. Couples to be married before they can complete a course are permitted to celebrate their marriage with immediate family members present. They may wish to take part in a course at a later date. PARISH MEETINGS Pastors are encouraged to cancel large Parish gatherings, including Missions and Retreats, during the coming weeks until further notice. THE SICK, THE NEEDY AND THE HOMEBOUND Pastors are encouraged to reach out to the sick, the elderly and the housebound to ensure they receive pastoral care. CHRISM MASS The Chrism Mass will be celebrated privately without the participation of the priests, deacons and faithful. The Sacred Oils will be blessed and distributed to the Deans. Pastors are invited to pick up the oils for their Parishes after Monday, April 6, 2020. Pastors may not vary from these directives without consulting the Chancellor or myself directly. These are challenging times and we must work together for the care and safety of the community. Thank you for your attention to these directives. Sincerely in Christ and Mary Immaculate, +Douglas Crosby, OMI (Most Rev) Douglas Crosby, OMI Bishop of Hamilton.
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Rev. Fr. Christopher Tracey
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