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Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I am writing today to discuss the diocesan protocol utilized when we face situations where the risk of infectious disease transmission is in a particularly elevated state. The current COVID-19 (Corona) virus spread has raised these concerns.

The following recommendations are to be utilized across the diocese during this time.Parishes should make hand sanitizer available throughout the church for parishioners to use:

  • Clergy and communion assistants should wash their hands both before and after worship as well as sanitize their hands before administering communion.
  • Clergy and pastoral care workers should take all precautions in personal hygiene before and after pastoral visits in hospital and homes.
  • Parishioners who are ill, or suspect they may be, should be encouraged to stay at home to recover and to request a pastoral visit if desired.
  • Congregations should adopt a contact-free Exchange of the Peace, with a smile, brief word or slight bow to those nearby.
  • Clergy should greet parishioners at the end of services without physical contact.
  • While the use of the common cup is not prohibited at this time, parishioners who choose not to receive are requested to cross their arms over their chest as the cup passes. Administrators of the chalice are asked to continue using the words of administration for which the communicant may respond “Amen” in giving thanks for the shed blood of Christ on our behalf. The practice of intinction continues to be prohibited in the Diocese of Ontario.
  • Clergy are asked to review the use of the purificators with their chalice administrants to ensure good hygiene practise is being observed, and further ensure that purificators are changed during the administration of communion should they become overly soiled.

Thank you for your attention to these protocols, many of which continued to be observed throughout the diocese following the SARS outbreak a number of years ago. We continue to hold in prayer all those dealing with the current spread of COVID-19, those infected, their families and caregivers as well as those who serve on the front line of health care response both here and around the world. May the healing and comforting presence of the Spirit be with them.  
 
Bishop Michael