Saint Anne's Parish

The provincial government announced that Ontario will be moving to Step 3 of the “Roadmap for Reopening” plan as of 12:01 a.m. Friday, July 16, 2021. The Reopening Planning Committee for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Peterborough, issued the following directives to support the implementation of Step 3:

CHURCHES

In Step 3, there is no capacity limit for churches and missions. However, physical distancing of 2 metres (6 feet) is still required between parishioners attending Mass who are not from the same household. 

LITURGY AND LITURGICAL MINISTRIES

• At this time, face mask use indoors is mandatory for the celebrants and the faithful, even for those who are fully vaccinated.
• Congregational singing is still not permitted, however, a cantor or small choir may be utilized .
• One altar server or two or more altar servers from the same household are permitted at a Mass. Face masks must be worn, and physical distancing maintained.
• The celebrant’s regular procession and recessional practice may resume.
• Priests/deacons may greet parishioners after or before Mass with attention to safety precautions.
• The offertory box will continue to be available at the back or side of the church and will not be passed among the pews.
• These items continue to be curtailed during Step 3:

• • Song books and hymnals placed in the pews
  • Holy Water in fonts
  • Reception of Holy Communion on the tongue
  • Sign of Peace
  • Communion from the Cup

FUNERALS

For funerals in Step 3, the Bereavement Authority of Ontario has issued the following guidelines:

Indoor Funeral Services

• Indoor funeral services are permitted with physical distancing of two metres (six feet) between people.
• There is no capacity limit, except for the physical distancing requirement.
• Masks or face coverings are required indoors.
• Passive screening continues: meaning have COVID signage at the entrance for guests to self-assess.
• Contact tracing information must be collected. Records must be kept for 30 days.
• All attendees and staff must adhere to local public health unit restrictions.

Outdoor Services at Cemeteries

• There is no capacity limit, except for the physical distancing requirement.
• Cemeteries may restrict access as they deem necessary.
• All attendees and staff must adhere to local public health unit restrictions.