Clergy Notes — Second Sunday of Advent, December 5, 2021
On Wednesday Bishop John issued a Pastoral Letter (click here), in the light of new Orders from the Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry, announced on Tuesday.
You will recognise that the manner in which in-church worship is being conducted currently falls within these new directives: masks are worn by everyone, including the choir, except for clergy and readers when speaking. The Wardens and I have considered the alternative options concerning vaccine passports or limiting numbers to 50% of seated capacity, in St. James’ case 150 people. Mindful of the spaciousness of the building and the usual attendance numbers, we do not intend to require from those in church sight of vaccine passports. We shall address the other matters in the letter by 31 December. Our primary concern remains the safety of everyone who comes to St. James’.
Accordingly, our capacity will be limited to 150 people, with immediate effect. We shall continue to encourage everyone to respect others’ physical distance. For the time being we do not intend to resume Sunday coffee hour. In view of the lower than usual attendance currently, we reckon that we shall be able to host our planned Christmas services.
Last Sunday’s Advent Lessons and Carols was an uplifting beginning to this season of expectation and preparation: our thanks go to the choir and the readers for their inspiring offering. I commend the Advent Formation sessions to you.
On Monday 20 December at 7.00 pm there will be a Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, sung by the choir MOTET. On Christmas Eve, there will be a said Vigil Mass at 4.00 pm. There will then be a Choral & Organ Prelude from 10.00 pm, with Midnight Mass beginning at 10.30 pm. The St. James’ Choir & Musicians will offer Charpentier’s Messe de Minuit. On Christmas Morning, the Zoom Liturgy at Home will be at 9.00 am, with Solemn Mass in church at 10.30 am. On Sunday 26 December the Zoom Liturgy will be at 9.00 am, including cantors Gerald & Sri; the 10.30 am Mass in church will be said, with organ accompaniment. (There will be no 4.00 pm Vigil Mass on Christmas Day.)
Please continue to pray for our Province at this time, for all who have lost home and livelihood, and for wisdom and discernment for all seeking to rebuild.
“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness will not overcome it.”
Every blessing,
Fr. Kevin
Download the service booklet for December 5 2021 here: V2 Liturgy at Home Second Sunday of Advent December 5 2021
