The Roman Catholic Diocese of Prince Albert has suspended all masses for the foreseeable future. (Michael Joel-Hansen/paNOW Staff)

By Michael Joel-Hansen

covid-19

Mass suspended at P.A. diocese

Mar 20, 2020 | 5:03 PM

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Prince Albert is making big changes amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a letter, Bishop Albert Thévenot announced that until further notice masses will be cancelled. Parishioners are being encouraged to take in upcoming events, including Easter masses on Facebook. The cancellation of mass comes on the heels of the diocese asking parishes to take precautions against COVID-19.

Thévenot said the decision to cancel was a difficult one to make. He said the change would not be an easy one for worshippers, nor for the church, in part because Easter is an important time where masses also tend to be bigger.

“It’s a very hard decision to take, because even for us we won’t be celebrating it as we normally do,” Thévenot said.

Thévenot said they are taking the directive from the provincial government which asks people to limit the size of public gatherings.

Melfort prepares for snow

City of Melfort readies for snow removal after storm system passes

34m ago

Significant snow

Winter Storm Warning issued for northeast as heavy snow, strong wind expected

4h ago

Russia-Ukraine War

In a first, President Biden gives green light for Ukraine's use of U.S.-supplied long-range missiles in Russia

Nov 17, 2024

The Diocese of Prince Albert has around 80 parishes and 42,000 followers. The diocese covers a broad geographic range stretching out towards both the northeast and northwest and includes North Battleford, Meadow Lake and Nipawin.

Looking toward the upcoming holidays, Thévenot said with travel being difficult people may want to stay close.

“It might be more for everybody a time to stay at home and have more family celebrations at home,” he said.

The diocese is also directing churches to keep their doors open from 10 a.m. to noon from Monday to Friday to accommodate worshippers. Weddings and funerals are still permitted but group numbers cannot exceed the limits set by the province.

In making the decision, Thévenot said he and others were in contact with the other Catholic dioceses in the province. He said there was also discussion with Anglican and Lutheran church leaders on what steps to take.

“I think we have pretty well taken the same line,” he said.

Thévenot said in his time with the church he has never experienced anything like the COVID-19 pandemic. He said during other difficult times, like during war time, the church was still able to host celebrations.

“This is a first time [and I] hope a last time,” he said.

—

MichaelJoel.Hansen@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @mjhskcdn