AS OF JULY 1st: according to the Communications Office, Archdiocese of Vancouver
- Is the Sunday obligation reinstated?
- Not for this weekend, however it will be reinstated for the following weekend and details will be provided next week.
- Is there no limit now on the number of people attending Mass?
- There is no limit.
- Are masks are optional now?
- Yes. We strongly recommend, however, that you follow the guidance of the Public Health Officer: “Masks are recommended in public indoor settings for all people 12 and older who are not yet fully vaccinated.”
- No more pre-registration for contact tracing purposes?
- No, there should be no registration or taking of people’s information at the church entrance.
- Will singing by the congregation be permitted now?
- Yes.
- Can we ask our choirs to come back?
- Yes, choirs can return to normal.
- Can we now put out hymnals, missals, envelopes, etc. in the church pews?
- Yes.
- For weddings, funerals and baptisms – is it still 50 people or 50% of capacity whichever is greater?
- No, because they take place within the liturgy (worship). For all weddings, funerals and baptisms there are no limitations for attendance.
- Does this mean that there is no more necessity for social distancing?
- Correct, there is no social distancing required.
- Can we re-open the bathrooms?
- Yes, bathroom facilities should be fully reopened.
- Do we still need to allow an hour between services, so that people leaving the last mass don't cross paths with people arriving for the next mass?
- No, Mass times can return to normal.
- Can we return to people taking a missal when they arrive for a weekday mass, and putting it back in the box when they leave?
- Yes.
- What about groups using the Church?
- Any groups using the Church are subject to the health orders regarding Organized Gatherings: “Indoor organized gatherings 50 people or 50% capacity, whichever is greater.”
- What about other kinds of gatherings in the basement, hall or meeting rooms?
- Any other gathering is subject to the health orders regarding Organized Gatherings: “Indoor organized gatherings 50 people or 50% capacity, whichever is greater.”
- Do attendance restrictions still apply to adoration, holy hours or other prayer services in the Church?
- Yes. Non-liturgical gatherings in the church are limited to 50 people or 50% capacity, whichever is greater.
- What about coffee after Mass - social time in the basement/outside/hall?
- Outdoor social gatherings after Mass can have 5,000 people or 50% capacity of the space, whichever is greater.
- Indoor social gatherings after Mass can have 50 people or 50% capacity, whichever is greater.
- Do we have to open up fully to all?
- Yes.
- What restrictions are there for those who are not vaccinated?
- There are none, although “masks are recommended in public indoor settings for all people 12 and older who are not yet fully vaccinated.”
- Do we still have to sanitize pews and contact services after each Mass?
- No.
- What about Communion on the tongue?
- We will continue the current practice in place. (The priest should ask those receiving on the tongue to receive last or he might designate a specific minister for them. Moreover, it is recommended that the minister purify his fingers and use hand sanitizer after each person who receives on the tongue).
- What about Communion under both species?
- We will not reintroduce this practice at this time.
- Can we shake hands at the kiss of peace? Should we?
- The kiss of peace is to be restored according to the custom of the parish.
- Those who are uncomfortable with shaking hands may bow or make a similar gesture to their neighbour.
- Can priests and deacons share from the same cup?
- Yes, they may.
- Can Deacons return to their normal activities at Mass?
- Yes, they may.
- Are there any special instructions regarding altar servers, lectors or extraordinary ministers of the Eucharist?
- They can return to their normal practice.
- Should we retain our plastic or plexiglass barriers?
- They are no longer necessary.
