Premier Douglas Ford, in moving Toronto and Peel Regions into the grey lockdown category and perhaps soon York Region, has arbitrarily reduced church capacity to ten, even if the church holds a thousand. It is ludicrous and idiotic and without a basis in science. As you know, Cardinal Collins then one upped him and reduced it to zero for Mass, only allowing ten in to pray privately.
I wrote a few days ago, "No Mass for you, it's just not worth it." Vox Cantoris: NO MASS FOR YOU! - IT'S JUST NOT WORTH IT. Some criticised this writer for thinking so poorly of His Eminence. "Do you really think he believes the Mass is not worth it?"
Well, I will let you be the judge.
In a memorandum to all parishes today issued by the Cardinal through the communications office to all parishes for dissemination which was made available to this writer, I am proved correct.
“Offering public Masses when the civil authorities set a limit of only 10 people (in practice, that would mean 8 or 9 parishioners) creates numerous challenges to do so in a fair manner.”
I agree, it does present numerous challenges.
Others that think it presents challenges are the good priests at the Church of the Transfiguration under the jurisdiction of the Priestly Society of St. Pius X. They agree with the Cardinal and Mr. MacCarthy, it does present numerous challenges. They have told me so.
There is, however, one big difference.
To them, it is worth it.
From: Office of Public Relations & Communications
Sent: December 4, 2020 1:32 PM
To: Office of Public Relations & Communications
Subject: Memo from Neil MacCarthy - Question & Answer Document re Archdiocese of Toronto & Covid-19 Restrictions
To: All Priests, Parishes, Catholic Pastoral Centre & Satellite Office Staff
From: Neil MacCarthy, Director, Public Relations & Communications
Date: December 4, 2020
Re: Q & A document regarding Archdiocese of Toronto & Covid-19 restrictions
I am attaching a document that you are welcome to share or utilize as appropriate with answers to frequently asked questions we have been receiving in recent days. I am including two versions – both the Microsoft Word and PDF versions in the event you wish to cut and paste responses for a bulletin or other communication tool.
I hope this is helpful in providing accurate information regarding the approach of the archdiocese during this period of pandemic. We are also monitoring announcements this afternoon from the Province of Ontario and will share additional information, if necessary.
Thank you for your tireless efforts during these challenging days.
