welcome back
to a worshipsafe environment
My dear friends in Christ,
It is with joy that I announce the re-opening of our church dedicated to St. Julia. Our first public mass will be on Saturday, June 13, 2020 at 5 p.m.. At the core of who we are as disciples of Christ is our love for God and love of our neighbour. Our hunger to return to our place of worship reveals our love for God. In the midst of this pandemic, we must absolutely be mindful of the safety of our neighbour.
We have so many questions at this time regarding the safe return to church and to the celebration of the Mass. Please find below a working question and answer to help guide us along the way. Is it perfect? No. We will learn along the way. I thank you in advance for your patience and understanding. The health and safety of all is my first concern.
Our celebration will be simplified. Even still, I pray that your worship experience be one that is rejuvenating and life-giving, as we break open the Word of God and are fed by the Body of Christ.
Please remember, the dispensation from Sunday Mass continues, and our Live Stream will continue to bring the celebration of the Mass into your home.
May God bless each of you and those that you love. Welcome home.
Fr. Greg Schmidt
Pastor
It is with joy that I announce the re-opening of our church dedicated to St. Julia. Our first public mass will be on Saturday, June 13, 2020 at 5 p.m.. At the core of who we are as disciples of Christ is our love for God and love of our neighbour. Our hunger to return to our place of worship reveals our love for God. In the midst of this pandemic, we must absolutely be mindful of the safety of our neighbour.
We have so many questions at this time regarding the safe return to church and to the celebration of the Mass. Please find below a working question and answer to help guide us along the way. Is it perfect? No. We will learn along the way. I thank you in advance for your patience and understanding. The health and safety of all is my first concern.
Our celebration will be simplified. Even still, I pray that your worship experience be one that is rejuvenating and life-giving, as we break open the Word of God and are fed by the Body of Christ.
Please remember, the dispensation from Sunday Mass continues, and our Live Stream will continue to bring the celebration of the Mass into your home.
May God bless each of you and those that you love. Welcome home.
Fr. Greg Schmidt
Pastor
Questions & answers
I am still not comfortable attending Mass. Am I still dispensed from my Sunday obligation?
Yes. Bishop Bergie extends the dispensation to Catholics in our Diocese from their obligation of Sunday Mass attendance at this time. COVID-19 is still in a threat to public health, and our churches are open to 30% capacity only. Those who are considered vulnerable and those who care for them should not attend.
UPDATED: Is it alright for me to attend Mass at Church?
Those who are vulnerable should stay at home. This includes anyone who is:
Public health recommends: The best way to stop the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus) is by staying home and avoiding close contact with others outside of your household.
What should I do before I/we go to Church?
The reality is that COVID-19 is still a threat to public health. Doing your part to ensure the safety of all will help prevent the spread of this virus. This is why St. Julia is only open to 30% capacity.
Those who are considered vulnerable and those who care for them should not attend. Some may not be allowed entry for a specific Mass if capacity is reached before their arrival.
For those who plan to attend Mass in person, please take appropriate precautions including taking your temperature before leaving home to attend Mass (a temperature of 37.8 degrees C / 100 degrees F when taken orally must not enter the church and are asked to seek medical help) and ensuring proper hygiene especially hand washing.
If you have any symptoms that might be COVID-19 related, or if you have been in contact with someone suffering from possible or confirmed COVID-19 symptoms, please remain at home and contact Public Health authorities.
Click here to take a self-assessment.
Do I need to wear a face mask?
It is highly encouraged that everyone attending, 3 years and older, wear a face mask.
Will face masks be provided at the church?
No. Please bring your own face mask.
Will I be turned away if I do not have on face mask?
No. Face masks are recommended but not required. Once again, they are highly encouraged.
Will Fr. Greg be wearing a face mask and gloves?
No, he will not. He will be doing his self-assessment to ensure the safety for all.
Will hand sanitizer be available?
But of course. You will find hand sanitizer at the entrance and again upon entering the main body of the church. Please make use of it upon entry into the church. Some may wish to bring their own for use at other times.
How will you be cleaning the Church?
Pews and all touchpoints will be wiped carefully, after / between masses with Germosolve, an approved disinfecting solution.
Where should I enter the church?
Only the lower entrance will be used for entry and exit. This will allow us to count the number of attendees to ensure that we are in compliance with the 30% capacity to ensure the safety of all with proper distancing. The upper entrance/exit is for emergency purposes only, as are the other emergency exits. Doors will be propped open to minimize touchpoints.
Directional blue tape will guide you.
Will the elevator be available?
Yes, with a limit of one person / one household. The elevator buttons will be cleaned after each use.
How many people will be able to attend Mass at St. Julia at 30% capacity?
We are blessed with a large worship space. That being said, first come, first welcomed / served.
Where can I sit?
When entering the body of the church you will see clearly marked where you can and cannot sit. Signs are posted “Pew not in use.” You will notice seating is every three pews, 6 feet (2 meters) apart in the pew.
Can my family sit together?
Yes, members of an immediate family can sit together, respecting the proper distance with others in the same pew?
Will be I able to sit in my regular seat?
We request that you only sit where you find the blue tape markings. Please send complaints to…thank you for your co-operation to ensure a WorshipSafe environment for all.
Will we have hymnals to sing from?
All hymn books, missals, and other materials have been removed from the church.
Can I sing at Mass?
Government policy is that there be no congregational singing at this time, even with your face mask on. Our director of music David Holler will lead us in song and /or priest.
Will we have our wonderful choir at the 11 a.m. Mass?
At the present time, our choir will not be formally in place. Our director of music will be our cantor.
Will there be bulletins?
There will be no printed bulletins at this time. Please visit our website at www.StJuliastc.com to view our E-bulletin.
What will be the Mass times?
We will resume our public Mass schedule as follows:
Saturday 5 p.m.
Sunday 9 a.m. & 11 a.m.
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 8:30 a.m. (no Mass on Thursday)
This will be re-evaluated as required to meet the needs of those wishing to attend Mass, for example the addition or removal of a Mass.
Will Mass from St. Julia continue to be Live Streamed?
Yes! This is an important part of being a Caring Roman Catholic Community. We will continue to Live Stream the weekday Masses at 8:30 and the Saturday 5 p.m. on our St. Julia YouTube Channel for view back at any time.
Will the Sacrament of Reconciliation be offered?
Beginning on Saturday, June 20, from 3:30 to 4:30. The temporary location will be in the quiet room.
Will the quiet room be available?
At this time, the quiet room will be closed. Our apologies for any inconvenience.
Will there be an entrance / exit procession?
At this time, only the priest / deacon will process in and out at the Mass.
Will there be a procession with the gifts at the time of the offertory?
No. All of the gifts of the water and wine, and the ciborium filled with the hosts will already be in the sanctuary.
How will I receive communion?
Only one to two sections of the church will receive communion at a time to ensure proper distancing.
When coming down the aisle please keep 6 feet / 2 meters apart. Blue tape on the floor will guide you in keeping proper distance apart.
Communicants are instructed to remove their masks while the person ahead of them is receiving Holy Communion. After the priest or deacon says, “The Body of Christ” and the communicant responds “Amen” (at a distance of two meters), the communicant then approaches the priest to receive communion.
UPDATED: Masks should be removed by the ear loops with sanitized hands and not touching the outer mask for communion. Lowering the mask will contaminate your hands then replacing it to the face can contaminate your face. More information on removing your mask can be found here.
After the priest or deacon says, “The Body of Christ” and the communicant responds “Amen” (at a distance of two meters), the communicant then approaches the priest to receive communion
Can I receive communion on the tongue?
While it is the right of the communicant to receive communion on the tongue, at this time it is strongly recommend that communion is by hand. Thank you for our understanding.
Will there be extraordinary ministers of Communion?
At this time, only the priest / deacon will distribute communion.
Will communion be distributed at the back of the church?
A communion minister will not be stationed at the back of the church. When communion is finished being distributed at the front of the church the priest / deacon will be honoured to bring communion to the back of the church for those with special needs. The ushers will help direct the priest / deacon.
Will there be altar servers?
At this time there will not be altar servers in order to ensure proper distancing. (Fr. Greg misses the altar server’s assistance and looks forward to welcoming them back to this ministry when we can)
Will there be a reader / lector at the mass?
Yes. We will have one reader at each mass?
Will the restroom be available?
Church restrooms are to be restricted to use only when absolutely necessary. No more than one person/family (living at the same address) at a time should use the restroom. Notices to this effect will be posted outside the restroom. Handwashing signs will also to be placed in the restroom.
Will there be Holy Water to bless oneself?
All Holy Water has been removed at the present time.
Will we be able to exchange the sign of peace?
While hand shaking is not permitted, a simple bow of the head to our neighbour is welcomed.
Will the Liturgy of the Word for Children be offered at the 9 a.m. Mass?
This ministry is suspended at this time. Our apologies.
Will the collection be taken at Mass?
The collection will not be taken at the traditional time. When you are exiting the main body of the Church you will be able to make your traditional offering.
Can I still make my offering via Pre-authorized contribution (PAC) on a monthly basis, via E-transfer, or CanadaHelps.org?
YES! We encourage you to continue with these methods of contributing to St. Julia for sustained offerings to our parish. It is easy and the way of the future. Interested in learning more about these methods? Click here.
How will we exit at the end of Mass?
At the end of Mass, please exit quietly, maintaining physical distancing. Use the blue tape on the carpet as a guide. Please do not congregate at the doors of the church or in the parking lot.
Are baptisms able to take place at St. Julia?
Yes. Baptisms will resume in the usual manner at 12:30 p.m. on Sundays. Only one child / family at a time while maintaining physical distancing.
Can a funeral for my loved one take place at the church?
Yes. At this time, Funeral Masses (with the body or cremated remains present) may be celebrated in the church with ten people present.
When will the First Communion for our children take place?
We share the excitement of our young children! At the present time we will still be holding off until we can celebrate this sacrament safely.
Will parish meetings and functions be resuming?
No, at the present time all meeting and functions, including our Coffee Sunday are on hold.
Is the parish office open?
At this time, the parish office remains closed.
I am still not comfortable attending Mass. Am I still dispensed from my Sunday obligation?
Yes. Bishop Bergie extends the dispensation to Catholics in our Diocese from their obligation of Sunday Mass attendance at this time. COVID-19 is still in a threat to public health, and our churches are open to 30% capacity only. Those who are considered vulnerable and those who care for them should not attend.
Yes. Bishop Bergie extends the dispensation to Catholics in our Diocese from their obligation of Sunday Mass attendance at this time. COVID-19 is still in a threat to public health, and our churches are open to 30% capacity only. Those who are considered vulnerable and those who care for them should not attend.
UPDATED: Is it alright for me to attend Mass at Church?
Those who are vulnerable should stay at home. This includes anyone who is:
- an older adult
- at risk due to underlying medical conditions (e.g. heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, chronic respiratory diseases, cancer)
- at risk due to a compromised immune system from a medical condition or treatment (e.g. chemotherapy)
Public health recommends: The best way to stop the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus) is by staying home and avoiding close contact with others outside of your household.
What should I do before I/we go to Church?
The reality is that COVID-19 is still a threat to public health. Doing your part to ensure the safety of all will help prevent the spread of this virus. This is why St. Julia is only open to 30% capacity.
Those who are considered vulnerable and those who care for them should not attend. Some may not be allowed entry for a specific Mass if capacity is reached before their arrival.
For those who plan to attend Mass in person, please take appropriate precautions including taking your temperature before leaving home to attend Mass (a temperature of 37.8 degrees C / 100 degrees F when taken orally must not enter the church and are asked to seek medical help) and ensuring proper hygiene especially hand washing.
If you have any symptoms that might be COVID-19 related, or if you have been in contact with someone suffering from possible or confirmed COVID-19 symptoms, please remain at home and contact Public Health authorities.
Click here to take a self-assessment.
Do I need to wear a face mask?
It is highly encouraged that everyone attending, 3 years and older, wear a face mask.
Will face masks be provided at the church?
No. Please bring your own face mask.
Will I be turned away if I do not have on face mask?
No. Face masks are recommended but not required. Once again, they are highly encouraged.
Will Fr. Greg be wearing a face mask and gloves?
No, he will not. He will be doing his self-assessment to ensure the safety for all.
Will hand sanitizer be available?
But of course. You will find hand sanitizer at the entrance and again upon entering the main body of the church. Please make use of it upon entry into the church. Some may wish to bring their own for use at other times.
How will you be cleaning the Church?
Pews and all touchpoints will be wiped carefully, after / between masses with Germosolve, an approved disinfecting solution.
Where should I enter the church?
Only the lower entrance will be used for entry and exit. This will allow us to count the number of attendees to ensure that we are in compliance with the 30% capacity to ensure the safety of all with proper distancing. The upper entrance/exit is for emergency purposes only, as are the other emergency exits. Doors will be propped open to minimize touchpoints.
Directional blue tape will guide you.
Will the elevator be available?
Yes, with a limit of one person / one household. The elevator buttons will be cleaned after each use.
How many people will be able to attend Mass at St. Julia at 30% capacity?
We are blessed with a large worship space. That being said, first come, first welcomed / served.
Where can I sit?
When entering the body of the church you will see clearly marked where you can and cannot sit. Signs are posted “Pew not in use.” You will notice seating is every three pews, 6 feet (2 meters) apart in the pew.
Can my family sit together?
Yes, members of an immediate family can sit together, respecting the proper distance with others in the same pew?
Will be I able to sit in my regular seat?
We request that you only sit where you find the blue tape markings. Please send complaints to…thank you for your co-operation to ensure a WorshipSafe environment for all.
Will we have hymnals to sing from?
All hymn books, missals, and other materials have been removed from the church.
Can I sing at Mass?
Government policy is that there be no congregational singing at this time, even with your face mask on. Our director of music David Holler will lead us in song and /or priest.
Will we have our wonderful choir at the 11 a.m. Mass?
At the present time, our choir will not be formally in place. Our director of music will be our cantor.
Will there be bulletins?
There will be no printed bulletins at this time. Please visit our website at www.StJuliastc.com to view our E-bulletin.
What will be the Mass times?
We will resume our public Mass schedule as follows:
Saturday 5 p.m.
Sunday 9 a.m. & 11 a.m.
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 8:30 a.m. (no Mass on Thursday)
This will be re-evaluated as required to meet the needs of those wishing to attend Mass, for example the addition or removal of a Mass.
Will Mass from St. Julia continue to be Live Streamed?
Yes! This is an important part of being a Caring Roman Catholic Community. We will continue to Live Stream the weekday Masses at 8:30 and the Saturday 5 p.m. on our St. Julia YouTube Channel for view back at any time.
Will the Sacrament of Reconciliation be offered?
Beginning on Saturday, June 20, from 3:30 to 4:30. The temporary location will be in the quiet room.
Will the quiet room be available?
At this time, the quiet room will be closed. Our apologies for any inconvenience.
Will there be an entrance / exit procession?
At this time, only the priest / deacon will process in and out at the Mass.
Will there be a procession with the gifts at the time of the offertory?
No. All of the gifts of the water and wine, and the ciborium filled with the hosts will already be in the sanctuary.
How will I receive communion?
Only one to two sections of the church will receive communion at a time to ensure proper distancing.
When coming down the aisle please keep 6 feet / 2 meters apart. Blue tape on the floor will guide you in keeping proper distance apart.
Communicants are instructed to remove their masks while the person ahead of them is receiving Holy Communion. After the priest or deacon says, “The Body of Christ” and the communicant responds “Amen” (at a distance of two meters), the communicant then approaches the priest to receive communion.
UPDATED: Masks should be removed by the ear loops with sanitized hands and not touching the outer mask for communion. Lowering the mask will contaminate your hands then replacing it to the face can contaminate your face. More information on removing your mask can be found here.
After the priest or deacon says, “The Body of Christ” and the communicant responds “Amen” (at a distance of two meters), the communicant then approaches the priest to receive communion
Can I receive communion on the tongue?
While it is the right of the communicant to receive communion on the tongue, at this time it is strongly recommend that communion is by hand. Thank you for our understanding.
Will there be extraordinary ministers of Communion?
At this time, only the priest / deacon will distribute communion.
Will communion be distributed at the back of the church?
A communion minister will not be stationed at the back of the church. When communion is finished being distributed at the front of the church the priest / deacon will be honoured to bring communion to the back of the church for those with special needs. The ushers will help direct the priest / deacon.
Will there be altar servers?
At this time there will not be altar servers in order to ensure proper distancing. (Fr. Greg misses the altar server’s assistance and looks forward to welcoming them back to this ministry when we can)
Will there be a reader / lector at the mass?
Yes. We will have one reader at each mass?
Will the restroom be available?
Church restrooms are to be restricted to use only when absolutely necessary. No more than one person/family (living at the same address) at a time should use the restroom. Notices to this effect will be posted outside the restroom. Handwashing signs will also to be placed in the restroom.
Will there be Holy Water to bless oneself?
All Holy Water has been removed at the present time.
Will we be able to exchange the sign of peace?
While hand shaking is not permitted, a simple bow of the head to our neighbour is welcomed.
Will the Liturgy of the Word for Children be offered at the 9 a.m. Mass?
This ministry is suspended at this time. Our apologies.
Will the collection be taken at Mass?
The collection will not be taken at the traditional time. When you are exiting the main body of the Church you will be able to make your traditional offering.
Can I still make my offering via Pre-authorized contribution (PAC) on a monthly basis, via E-transfer, or CanadaHelps.org?
YES! We encourage you to continue with these methods of contributing to St. Julia for sustained offerings to our parish. It is easy and the way of the future. Interested in learning more about these methods? Click here.
How will we exit at the end of Mass?
At the end of Mass, please exit quietly, maintaining physical distancing. Use the blue tape on the carpet as a guide. Please do not congregate at the doors of the church or in the parking lot.
Are baptisms able to take place at St. Julia?
Yes. Baptisms will resume in the usual manner at 12:30 p.m. on Sundays. Only one child / family at a time while maintaining physical distancing.
Can a funeral for my loved one take place at the church?
Yes. At this time, Funeral Masses (with the body or cremated remains present) may be celebrated in the church with ten people present.
When will the First Communion for our children take place?
We share the excitement of our young children! At the present time we will still be holding off until we can celebrate this sacrament safely.
Will parish meetings and functions be resuming?
No, at the present time all meeting and functions, including our Coffee Sunday are on hold.
Is the parish office open?
At this time, the parish office remains closed.
I am still not comfortable attending Mass. Am I still dispensed from my Sunday obligation?
Yes. Bishop Bergie extends the dispensation to Catholics in our Diocese from their obligation of Sunday Mass attendance at this time. COVID-19 is still in a threat to public health, and our churches are open to 30% capacity only. Those who are considered vulnerable and those who care for them should not attend.
We are still in the midst of a pandemic, and our primary concern must be
for the life and health of the whole community.
We must continue to pray for the people in our community and our world,
as we begin to move forward and heal from the devastation of this pandemic.
for the life and health of the whole community.
We must continue to pray for the people in our community and our world,
as we begin to move forward and heal from the devastation of this pandemic.
