‘Maintain both the safety and unity of the faithful’

In the following memo sent to priests of the Archdiocese of Vancouver Dec. 9, Archbishop Miller said he wants to give “as much access as possible to the Sacraments (especially Holy Mass) to the greatest number of people possible.”

Dear Reverend Fathers, Deacons and parish staff, 

Building on the Archbishop's letter dated December 2, 2021, as we prepare our hearts and our communities to celebrate the birth of Jesus, we look to welcoming more people to our parishes while caring for them during the pandemic. To this end, the Archdiocese wants to provide more clarity and recommendations that respect the recently issued Public Health Order (“PHO”) and provide safety for parishioners, especially the most vulnerable and concerned.

In the current situation with provincial restrictions, the principal aim of the Archdiocese is to give as much access as possible to the Sacraments (especially the Mass) to the greatest number of people possible. In the implementation of solutions for Mass attendance, our guiding principle should be to do all we can to maintain both the safety and unity of the faithful, so we can witness to the world how we show Christian love for one another during difficult and polarizing times. 

Each parish will have to determine how best to serve the needs of all parishioners in the coming weeks; not with a view to restriction or division, but with a sincere desire to see as many people as possible be able to participate in the source and summit of our faith.

Recommendations

• In maintaining our focus to welcome our parishioners and while caring for all the vulnerable, please consider adding Masses so that more people can attend while maintaining the 50% capacity rule.
• As a way to help those who may be immune-compromised, medically at-risk or deeply concerned for their safety, please consider adding a Mass to your existing schedule that is for vaccinated-only. Some parishes are proposing a registration system for these “vulnerable Masses,” although this step is not required.
• For any Mass where vaccination is necessary:
  • The provincial passport system is not required.
  • To ensure participants are vaccinated, please post signage stating: “Due to Public Health Orders the current service is limited to those who are fully vaccinated.”
• To accommodate as many people as possible, please consider live-streaming Mass to a hall or other building when possible.

For your reference, here are the PHO requirements:

PHO Requirements

1. ALL indoor gatherings (including worship services) for groups that include non-vaccinated individuals must be limited to 50% of capacity.
   • Gatherings of more than 50% should be for vaccinated people only, where the celebrant and all participants over the age of 11 years are vaccinated.
2. Masks must be worn at ALL indoor events, except by:
   • Celebrants, readers and soloists (subject to distancing requirements).
   • People with a psychological, behavioural or health condition; or a physical, cognitive or mental impairment.
   • People who cannot remove a mask on their own.
   • Children under the age of 5.
   • People who need to remove their masks to communicate due to another person's hearing impairment.
3. Churches must post signage at the entrance to all indoor areas that face coverings are required to be worn.

What is NOT required

1. Checking of vaccine passports.
   • Faith communities have the flexibility to use their own system to ensure that all participants are vaccinated and are not required to use the provincial passport system.
2. Contact information gathering.
3. Social Distancing.
   • Except for celebrants, readers and soloists.

Christmas

Due to the projected increase in Mass attendance at Christmas, and especially Christmas Eve, there will likely be circumstances that will require different configurations of “open” services (open to all, but under 50% capacity) and “limited” services (open to those vaccinated, up to 100% capacity) for both Christmas Eve and Christmas day. We hope you’re able to communicate these different configurations in a spirit of openness and unity.

Please Note

• There has been no change in the Sunday & Holy Day obligation for the faithful.
• In order for a priest to celebrate Mass for a vaccinated-only congregation, the priest must also be vaccinated.

If you have questions about your current or projected situation, please contact Makani Marquis at [email protected].

Communications Office,
Archdiocese of Vancouver