COVID-19 restrictions in the province have been mandated. Again, this will significantly change how we celebrate mass. People are asked to exercise respect, charity, and kindness toward others and to recognize the varying comfort levels of people especially during these steps of transition.

• The wearing of masks is no longer required by the Province but people are free, if they choose, to continue the use of facemasks.
• People who have symptoms not related to pre-existing conditions should avoid going to the church or being in public as a courtesy to others.
• There are no capacity limits on places of worship. In order to respect people’s personal space and comfort level, however, it would be a prudent practice to allow for some distance between people of different households.
  • At this time, for the sign of peace, we are asked to exchange peace with those outside of our household with a bow or a nod and not by a handshake.
  • In social settings, it would be charitable not to presume that others are comfortable to shake hands or to hug.
• For Weddings, Funerals, and Baptisms, there is no capacity limit. Receptions may now resume in parish halls as well, however, food must be served and not openly offered.
• Offerings can continue to be placed in the boxes at the entrance and exit of the church or in the basket at the offertory.
• Congregational singing is allowed and the use of hymnbooks may resume.
• Communion is given under only one species – the consecrated host.
• Communion on the tongue continues to be offered, however, please be considerate of others and try to go last if you are receiving on the tongue.
• Surfaces will no longer be sanitized after each mass but please continue healthy practices of washing hands, and be considerate to cover coughs and sneezes with your arm.
• We are all encouraged to observe proper hand hygiene by sanitizing our hands at any of the sanitizer stations in the church or by washing our hands regularly with soap and water.
• We are encouraged to observe respiratory etiquette, such as coughing or sneezing into a bent elbow and the prompt disposal of any used tissues in trash cans.
• We will continue to offer our bollettino electronically for the summer. If you are not signed up for it, you can do so here: https://SacredHeartCalgary.flocknote.com/WeeklyBulletinBo
• The dispensation from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass continues at this time.

We take this opportunity to thank all of you for your cooperation in observing the health and safety restrictions for almost two years now. At this time, we pace our walk together toward the easing of these restrictions with a lot of care and concern for the good of everyone.

Find more information here: https://www.catholicyyc.ca/blog/covid19