St Bonaventure Parish

As most of you are aware, the province recently declared a state of emergency in regards to the pandemic.  This will affect us as a church in a number of ways.  The biggest effect will be the reimposition of a limit on how many people can be in the church at any one time, along with the requirement that people from different households be at least two metres apart.
I certainly understand the disappointment in having to go back to these measures, particularly after things have been going so well over the past few months; however, I also know that, through all the hard work and sacrifices people made during the previous restrictions, we will, in the grace of God, have the strength and determination to come through these as well.
In order to make things simpler this time around, there are a few changes from the last time.  Rather than registering for masses we will be using a “first come first served approach.”  Once the ushers have determined that we have reached capacity (determined mostly by proper spacing), then the doors will be locked.  Pews have been marked off with ribbons, however there are no markings (X’s) on the pew itself.  Please follow the instructions of the usher along with your own best judgement in order to maintain social distancing.  We have all been through this before, so while it is disappointing, it shouldn’t be as difficult this time around.
We are going to continue with Adoration through the week.  Because of social distancing, however, I would ask that there be no more than six people in the chapel at any one time.  Please consider coming back at a different time if the chapel is full.  Small groups can still continue to meet as long as social distancing is maintained, though for obvious reasons we are unable to have social events in the building.
Prayer is the only real tool to get us out of the pandemic, so please continue to pray about the situation, and to pray for the parish itself.  Remember that despite all of this, the church remains open, masses and other sacraments continue to be celebrated, and adoration continues.  Through the mercy of God, the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the protection of St. Joseph, we will get through these latest challenges.
May God continue to bless you,
Fr. Colin