The Church is being forced to follow all rules without exception while places like large box stores are doing business as usual with a few inconveniences.
In our churches we must register for seating patterns, there are no greetings or coffee mornings, no singing, and receiving the Holy Eucharist is almost impossible. Why have we had all these restrictions imposed on our congregations, while everything from bars, activities, retail stores, and even some events haven’t been.
It seems like places of worship are being singled out for the hardest of restrictions with fines imposed if rules are not followed to the letter. Why don’t big box stores fit into this category?
It is time for the government to take a long look at what it is doing and explain its purpose.
I understand the need for preventive measures against COVID-19, but for everyone. This mixture of rules and regulations has been difficult for the general population to understand and follow. It’s past time for one set of rules for all to follow. Government has had enough time to work out a pattern of restrictions that are followed by all.
It’s also time for government to stop singling out religion as its personal enemy and bring restrictions into line with measures that are necessary to fight COVID. No one wants it to stay around longer, and for the most part people are willing to do what is necessary to eliminate this horrible virus.
As I am in the more vulnerable age group, I want those in charge to stop playing games with vaccines and get them moving more quickly.
God bless us all in this time of fear.
Diane Duncan
Saanichton
The Feb. 8 B.C. Catholic reported that St. Edmund’s Church was displaying posters from the International Exhibition of Eucharistic Miracles. The article quoted some participants who found the display moving and who spoke about the true presence of Christ in the Eucharist. We’ve had the exhibit at my church in the past and it’s wonderful.
I’m wondering if, despite COVID restrictions, our pastors can still offer parishioners times throughout the week to spend in (real) Eucharistic adoration. Is there a provincial health order in place that would prevent this? Our opportunities to worship have been severely curtailed, but are we missing a “permissible” opportunity to visit Christ in devotion?
Cecilia Moonen
Roberts Creek
In the lead-up to this year’s Holy Week and Easter celebrations, the statistics detailing the numbers of British Columbians affected with the COVID-19 virus and its variants are staggering. And this week they are continuing to rise.
Dr. Bonnie Henry is under excruciating pressure from every direction and many groups to relax the restrictions, especially on gatherings.
Even though we in B.C. have fared relatively well compared to other jurisdictions in Canada, the leadership from our health officials must never be minimized, as it has been instrumental in keeping us safe.
That said, I can’t help proposing that good Catholics will be much better served by not harassing health officials in general – and Dr. Henry in particular – to return to “normal” too soon. The pandemic will be over when it’s over.
Penny Oyama
Burnaby
I felt quite sad reading the March 22 letter from Marie, who has stayed home for a full year in fear of COVID. Her TV has been on the whole time and, depending on the channel, possibly with stories to reinforce her fear. Her health has worsened. Marie is so afraid of dying that she cannot live her life. I hope Marie speaks with her priest and doctor and moves forward in her life.
It is really a crime that the media and medical community have used COVID to immobilize us. British Columbia COVID deaths are about 1,500 and this compared to the average annual death rate of 38,000. But the media and provincial health authorities continue to focus on “cases,” as these numbers are bigger and therefore sound scarier.
A survey found that 50 to 70 per cent of Canadians would support police entering our homes without warrants to enforce pandemic rules. Imagine. The government and health authorities continue to stir up fear. Why?
We need to stop reading headlines only and start doing some of our own research.
Joan Davies
Coquitlam
The B.C. government has not cared about fairness and lawful, societal equality of Catholics and other religious people. The March 20 Vancouver Sun headline “Henry lauds tossing of churches petition” says it all. Chief Justice Hinkson obliged the government side by cavalierly dismissing the religious arguments. Constitutionally protected religious rights were thrown out on the heap of prejudice and ignorance.
The Lord Jesus taught us to love, sacrifice, and forgive those who trespass against us. Despite our being banished from our churches, let us spiritually and fully focus on celebrating our Lord Jesus’ sacrifice and victory with love and happiness.
Anton (Tony) Gazdik
Campbell River
I enjoyed Colleen Roy’s March 8 column “Even our lowly offering can give glory to God.”
My late husband was an apiarist for four decades and I enjoyed watching him care for the bees, going through the same routine year after year. We enjoyed their honey not only because of their sweetness but because of the love and care that my husband put in. Living with bees around and understanding their way of life made me appreciate them. Unfortunately, when my husband passed away, the bees went away too.
Reading this column brought back memories of my life with bees. Colleen’s adherence to the beeswax being a contribution or offering to God as “candles lighted during mass and prayer” was exhilarating and truly remarkable. I am so impressed with this article about bees because of the connection and reference she made about their “lowly contribution.”
Perhaps it is not really a lowly one because of the height it reaches when we light the candles and put our love and trust in God! Thank you, Colleen, for the new remarkable insight you have stirred in me with our teeny-weeny flying creatures!
Marie Junio-Gambioli
Vancouver
