To the faithful community of St. Patrick's Parish,

I promised to keep St. Patrick’s parishioners informed during the Covid-19 health crisis. We will continue to abide by the directives of the federal government, the Province and the Archdiocese. Here is the latest news:

Yesterday, the Premier of Ontario declared a state of emergency and Cardinal Collins issued a message to the faithful of the Archdiocese of Toronto. Below is a summary of the decree Cardinal Collins has issued to be implemented in all parishes, missions and chaplaincies throughout the Archdiocese of Toronto. I’ve noted in parentheses the implementation details for St. Patrick’s.

Mass – All public Masses are cancelled, both during the week and on the weekend. (The church will be available for individual private prayer but we may need to limit the number of people according to the directives of the Province).

Baptism – At this time, communal celebrations of Baptism are not allowed. Individual Baptism is allowed with immediate family and following the regulations established by the health authorities. (Please contact the parish office for more information and/or to make arrangements)

RCIA – The Cardinal has dispensed the catechumens from the scrutinies. Information will be sent out later regarding the Triduum and reception into the Church. (We will work directly with our RCIA team)

Sacrament of Reconciliation – Communal celebrations of the Sacrament of Reconciliation are not allowed at this time. All those who wish to receive the sacrament should contact a priest. The sacrament is to be celebrated not in a confessional but rather in another location, where confidentiality may be ensured and where the distance required by the health officials can be maintained. (Please contact the parish office if you wish to make an individual appointment for confession)

Marriage – Marriages without Mass may take place with the immediate family members, provided they follow the regulations established by the health authorities. The postponement of the wedding may be requested given these circumstances, but if this is granted there may be a need for revision of the canonical requirements. (Please contact the parish office if you are impacted)

Visits to the Sick and Homebound – These will continue as much as possible. As previously communicated, visiting clergy and volunteers should take direction from the health care facility. (We continue to work with local facilities. Please contact the parish office if you or a loved one are in need of a clergy visit)

Funerals – During this emergency, there will be no vigils or wake services. The Rite of Committal will take place with the immediate family at the cemetery. There will be no funeral Mass at this time, but we encourage the celebration of a funeral Mass at a later date when it is possible.  (Please contact the parish office for further information if you are directly impacted.)

Please note: There is a link for the entire letter from Cardinal Collins on the parish website. We ask that you join us and continue to pray for a speedy resolution to this issue. We also ask that in your prayers you remember those who are directly impacted whether physically, mentally or financially; the medical and research teams that are working so hard to keep us all safe; our government and business leaders who are making life altering decisions; and finally our community that God continue to watch over us and keep us safe.

Yours in Christ,

Fr. Dominic
Pastor, St. Patrick's Parish