ST. ANDREW'S: UPDATE ON PANDEMIC PLANNING

Webinar with Cardinal Collins (Oct 2, 2020)

I hope you and your loved ones continue to enjoy the blessings of being safe and well.

For those of you, who were not in attendance at this weekend's Masses, please find below a brief summary of the webinar hosted by the Archdiocese and His Eminence Cardinal Collins.

This summary was presented at each Mass as a reminder to obey the strict protocols –without exception – if we wish to continue to have access to our daily/weekend Masses and Sacramental gatherings.

Please note these guidelines should be followed in our daily activities as well.

• Number of new cases on the rise, especially here in Toronto

• The Archdiocese has implemented strict protocol and procedures.

• 30% capacity continues as long as all protocols are followed. Currently we seat approx. 80-100 as per the physically distancing markers (2 metres) on the seats (white tape) as well as on the floor.

• 12 people in the Archdiocese have contracted the virus.

• Masks are mandatory indoors over the age of 2 years and must be worn correctly. The mask MUST cover the nose and mouth at all times.

• Physically distancing -2 metres or 6 feet.

• Frequent hand washing

• Cleaning and sanitizing of all surfaces after each gathering (Carried out, with our sincere gratitude, by our trained brothers and sisters who so graciously and faithfully volunteer in our Ministry of Cleaning. More Volunteers are needed and welcomed! Contact: Lita Reyes)

• NO Communion on the tongue (until further notice). The HOLY HOST is received with outstretched hands, palms upward so that there is no skin contact with the Presider or Extraordinary Minister of Holy Eucharist).

• Ongoing inspections by Archdiocese – these are unannounced inspections with no advanced notice. The Ministry of Health is also conducting inspections to ensure we are following all protocols. Please follow the direction of the greeters (hand sanitizing as you enter) and ushers (who are there to instruct, direct and encourage you to follow these guidelines implicitly and without exception).

• Stay home if you are unwell. We encourage ALL parishioners to self monitor daily, before coming to church. If you are not feeling well for any reason, or if you have a medical condition that does not allow you to wear a mask correctly and fully, we respectfully ask you to stay home until such time as you are symptom free. Let us be reminded that:

o Live streaming Masses available

o The Archbishop continues to grant dispensation for those who cannot attend Sunday Mass in person

• If groups such as St. Vincent de Paul, Knights of Columbus, etc. wish to gather it would be best to do that virtually rather than in person (until further notice).

• (VERY IMPORTANT): IF WE DO NOT FOLLOW THESE MANDATORY GUIDELINES, WE COULD LOSE THE ABILITY TO HAVE SUNDAY AND/OR WEEK DAY MASSES

o Spot inspections are being carried out by the Archdiocese.

Sincere THANKS to all the volunteers who are a visible example of selfless giving. This includes the technologists who run the videos for each Mass, the Ministers of Communion who step forward to assist the Priests in distributing Holy Communion, the Ushers who enforce the guidelines and protocols so that we may continue to safely worship, to the Lectors who come prepared to proclaim Christ's Word each week and to the cleaners who ensure a safe space to worship.

A special thanks to our dear Fr. Zé, Fr. George and Deacon Joseph for their spiritual example and guidance, unconditionally, humbly and lovingly.

We are so very blessed, indeed. Let us all continue to Do What Is Right. And do all to the Glory of God and in service to one another!

Please continue to stay safe and well by following the protocols as outlined,

Mary-Rita