CHURCH BULLETIN FOR MARCH 27, 2022
ОГОЛОШЕННЯ ANNOUNCEMENTS
According to instructions from the Eparchy of Toronto,
I) – masks are not longer required as a condition of entering or being in church. (updated March 21)
According to Ottawa Public Health, however:
“- some individuals may choose to continue wearing masks in places where they are not required; please be kind and respectful of others’ choices.”
“- it is important to remember that wearing a mask is something we can all do to help protect those who remain at higher risk of severe outcomes from Covid-19.”
- OPH also suggests bringing masks along when attending public gatherings in case a high-risk person present there asks you to mask up.
II) – No Covid screening forms need be completed before entering church and there are no more physical distancing requirements in church.
III) The following Covid safety practices remain:
- physical distancing is still recommended when approaching the tetrapod to receive holy communion.
- only non-contact veneration of icons and crosses is permitted (no kissing of sacred objects).
- the use of individual spoons for distribution of holy communion will continue.
- using hand sanitizer upon entering church is still encouraged.
IV) Online participation in Divine Liturgy is no longer considered a fulfillment of the obligation to attend church on Sundays and Feasts, with the exception of those in poor health, who would be unable to attend church in normal circumstances.
The next parish Senior’s Club meeting will take place via Zoom at 7:30pm on Thursday, March 31. Anyone who would like to join this meeting who has not done so in the past can send their request to do so to pastor@stjbshrine.ca.
Sorokousty services commemorating the deceased will be celebrated at 9:30am on the Saturdays of April 2 and April 9. If you haven’t already done so, you can submit the names of your deceased relatives and friends to pastor@stjbshrine.ca, or in an envelope in the Sunday collection plate in the vestibule, and we will commemorate them by name The suggested donation is
$20, either by cheque or etransfer.
The Liturgy of the Pre-Sanctified Gifts will be celebrated at 6pm on March 23 and April 6.
Penitential Canon of St. Andrew of Crete & Life of St. Mary of Egypt, Wednesday, March 30 at 6:00 pm
The Ukrainian language Parish Mission will take place April 15 – 17. Details to follow at a later date.
CNEWA – the Catholic Near East Welfare Association is an appropriate recipient for humanitarian donations intended for Ukraine:
To those who wish to help Ukraine and its people we suggest donating to the Catholic Near East Association (CNEWA) which works directly with Caritas Ukraine. Please donate to CNEWA through our Basilian Parishes or directly online: https://cnewa.org/ca/campaigns/ukraine/
From the beginning of the war, Basilian monasteries in western Ukraine have accepted many displaced families from the combat zones in eastern Ukraine. The Order also has monasteries in the eastern regions – let us keep our fathers and parishioners in our prayers.
Very Rev. Genesio Viomar, OSBM, the General Superior of the Order of St. Basil the Great, has announced: “The Basilian monasteries (in Ukraine) are ready to accept the refugees from the regions of Ukraine that are engulfed in the war. Although our abilities are limited, the doors of the monasteries are open to you, dear brothers and sisters.”
The Basilian Fathers of Canada also express our deep concern and request prayers for the end of the war in Ukraine. We pray for the innocent victims of war, among whom are many children, women and elderly people.
We call upon the parishioners of Basilian Parishes across Canada, as well as all who are interested, to help the forcibly displaced people in any way possible. As well please accept our heart-felt thanks for your support up to now.
God is with us!
Fr. Gabriel Haber, OSBM, Provincial Superior
An English language Eparchial Lenten Mission will be livestreamed from St. Joseph’s parish in Oakville, ON, at 7pm on March 28, 29 and 31. The mission will be livestreamed on the parish’s YouTube channel: live.sjucc.ca.
A video of Bishop Bryan’s participation in the Act of Consecration of all of humanity, with an emphasis on Ukraine and Russia, to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, can be viewed through this link: https://vimeo.com/692434986
Pope Francis led this act of consecration in Rome last Friday, March 25 th. He had invited all the Catholic bishops and parish priests to participate, and we did so at the Shrine, too.