Suspension of In-Person Worship

Dear Fellow Members of St. James’,

This afternoon Dr Bonnie Henry, the Provincial Health Officer, issued new Public Health Orders in relation to the Covid-19 pandemic. Provisions include the Suspension of In-Person Worship for 28 days, with effect from today, Thursday, November 19, 2020.

Accordingly, there will be no Sung Mass in St. James’ for at least the next three Sundays. During this time the Sunday Liturgy at Home via Zoom will be offered at 10:30 am. Zoom co-ordinates for this Sunday, November 22, will be circulated along with The Thurible in the usual way. Please note the time change.

While this is disappointing, as we have become accustomed once again to public worship in church, the health and safety of all who come to St. James’ remains our prime concern. As earlier in the year, we shall of course comply with the Provincial directives, and those of the Archbishop.

The Church’s offering of prayer and praise will continue, privately on occasion in St. James’, and via Zoom on Sundays. The Daily Office of Morning and Evening Prayer is celebrated via Zoom: 9 am Mon-Sat; 5 pm Sun-Sat. Everyone is welcome.

Zoom co-ordinates are:

Meeting ID:   936 5595 7573

Passcode:     762469

Phone:           778-984-3208

During Advent there will be a Formation Series, a Quiet (Half) Day, and the opportunity to receive a reflective email each day from the Diocese. Details will be posted in The Thurible.

This reminds us how fortunate we are to be able to sustain our community life as the parish of St. James’ by online means, even when we are unable to gather together in person. Please continue to pray for one another in these challenging times, for our Provincial leaders and health officers, for all suffering from Covid-19 and those bereaved, for all whose livelihood is threatened, for our hospitals, doctors and nurses, and for all engaged in the search for a vaccine.

The Lord bless you and keep you,

Fr. Kevin