The Roman Catholic Diocese of Calgary has announced they are returning to in-person worship following strict restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic..“This gathering for worship is necessary for our identity as disciples of Christ,” William T. McGrattan, the Bishop of Calgary said..“In March of 2020, the Bishops of Alberta and the Northwest Territories issued in their respective dioceses a dispensation from the Sunday Mass obligation to provide the faithful the freedom to choose and not be obligated to participate in large liturgical gatherings and thus to reduce the spread of COVID-19 during the time of the global pandemic.”.During the pandemic, churches were ordered to follow necessary health restrictions implemented by the Alberta government..“Now, at this stage where the necessity for health and safety restrictions has been relaxed, a return to in-person gatherings on Sundays as a worshiping community is necessary for our continued spiritual nourishment and growth,” McGrattan said..”Therefore, the Bishops of Alberta and Northwest Territories in their respective dioceses will be lifting the dispensation on Pentecost Sunday, June 5, 2022.”.McGrattan said the church still “acknowledges the continuing presence of COVID-19 in our midst,” but is committed to restoring in-person Sunday services. They are encouraging everyone to attend in-person services and will continue to provide the exemption for those who are ill, and vulnerable..Some people cannot attend Mass because of frailty or old age, McGrattan said and the church acknowledges those who can’t..“Our sacred duty to worship God on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation orients our personal freedom to the worship and service of God,” McGrattan said..“May the feast of Pentecost inspire us to constantly devote ourselves to prayer, especially in the highest form of our worship of God in the celebration of the Sunday Eucharist.”.Alberta Health Services shut down several churches during the pandemic and three pastors were arrested.
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Calgary has announced they are returning to in-person worship following strict restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic..“This gathering for worship is necessary for our identity as disciples of Christ,” William T. McGrattan, the Bishop of Calgary said..“In March of 2020, the Bishops of Alberta and the Northwest Territories issued in their respective dioceses a dispensation from the Sunday Mass obligation to provide the faithful the freedom to choose and not be obligated to participate in large liturgical gatherings and thus to reduce the spread of COVID-19 during the time of the global pandemic.”.During the pandemic, churches were ordered to follow necessary health restrictions implemented by the Alberta government..“Now, at this stage where the necessity for health and safety restrictions has been relaxed, a return to in-person gatherings on Sundays as a worshiping community is necessary for our continued spiritual nourishment and growth,” McGrattan said..”Therefore, the Bishops of Alberta and Northwest Territories in their respective dioceses will be lifting the dispensation on Pentecost Sunday, June 5, 2022.”.McGrattan said the church still “acknowledges the continuing presence of COVID-19 in our midst,” but is committed to restoring in-person Sunday services. They are encouraging everyone to attend in-person services and will continue to provide the exemption for those who are ill, and vulnerable..Some people cannot attend Mass because of frailty or old age, McGrattan said and the church acknowledges those who can’t..“Our sacred duty to worship God on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation orients our personal freedom to the worship and service of God,” McGrattan said..“May the feast of Pentecost inspire us to constantly devote ourselves to prayer, especially in the highest form of our worship of God in the celebration of the Sunday Eucharist.”.Alberta Health Services shut down several churches during the pandemic and three pastors were arrested.
