Archbishop calling for masks in Mass, Communion in hand

Archbishop J. Michael Miller is urging parishioners in the Archdiocese of Vancouver to wear masks during Mass and receive Communion in the hand as the pandemic drags on.

In a letter to the faithful Friday, Archbishop Miller quoted B.C. health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry, who earlier this week said, “It is now the expectation that people will wear a non-medical mask in public spaces.”

The archbishop said, “In light of this statement and in order to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in our province, I am urging that all parishioners wear masks during Holy Mass, except for the reception of Holy Communion.”

He added that exceptions are to be made for people who cannot wear a mask due to disability or medical condition.

The faithful are also “strongly recommended” to receive Communion on the hand for the duration of the pandemic, based on “direct consultation with the Public Health Officer and for the safety of all . . .”

More information about liturgical guidelines during the pandemic here.