Saturday, 14 March, 2020
Dear parishioners and friends of S. Bart’s,
I am writing to update you on the current situation in our diocese with regard to the Covid-19 outbreak.
Late last evening Bishop Asbil wrote a letter to the clergy and people of our diocese, in which he issued the following directive.
“Until further notice, and starting Sunday, March 15, 2020, the College of Bishops is cancelling all corporate worship and all other gatherings in our churches. Ministries of service to marginalized and disadvantaged communities may continue using the utmost care, acting consistent with the Ministry of Health directives. (Those licensees and other outside groups who do not fall under our authority may continue to utilise our spaces as agreed, provided that they too are acting consistent with the Ministry of Health directives.) We make this decision with a heavy heart, not out of a sense of fear but in confidence that it is the right, safe and caring decision to make for the Church, and for the world, at this time.”
In accordance with our Bishop’s decision, all public worship will be suspended at S. Bartholomew’s, beginning tomorrow (Sunday, 15 March), and until further notice. As of this time our food ministries remain operational.
I encourage you all to remain connected as best you can with me and the parish during this time. Please continue to check our website, which will be updated as circumstances change and develop. I will also use this email platform to update the Parish; please encourage your friends and family who may not have subscribed to this service to do so.
As always, please inform me as soon as possible if you or anyone you know is in sickness or sorrow. I will continue to visit parishioners and to administer the Holy Communion to parishioners in their homes from the Reserved Sacrament, as our Bishops have encouraged us to do.
Please be assured of my prayers for you all at this time. It is painful to be separated from one another in such a difficult season, but we must remember that we are closer to one another within the Body of Christ, even at a distance, than ever we can be simply by being in the same room. Let us pray for one another, upholding one another’s burdens, that we may fulfil the Law of Christ in this place.
With my blessing,
Father Walter Hannam
Vicar
S. Bartholomew’s, Regent Park
The complete letter from the Bishop’s may be found here.