The first "almost-church-opening" that took place in Powassan last weekend turned out to be a big success.
"Our parking supervisors counted between 60 and 70 vehicles, far more than many people expected," said Fr Eric Mason. "I've no doubt that the positive coverage we received from Bay Today was a big factor in this."
See: Local churches start reopening process
Father Mason led Vespers and then Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament in the parking lot, with participants observing physical distancing and remaining in their cars for the duration. Prayers were printed or downloaded in advance from the parish website.
The mass did not include communion and AM transmitter was used so people could tune in through their car radio.
The event's success means that St. Joseph's Church will continue to offer the parking lot service on Saturdays until it's able to re-open fully.
In March, places of worship had to close due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Meanwhile, Anglican churches across the ecclesiastical province of Ontario will remain closed for in-person worship services until at least September, observing a sacred summer rest over the summer months while the pandemic continues.
“The well-being and safety of all our parishioners and the communities we serve are uppermost in our hearts and minds,” says Archbishop Anne Germond, metropolitan of Ontario.
The decision was made by the provincial house of Anglican bishops and released in a pastoral letter by Archbishop Germond.
“A time of sabbath rest invites our clergy and lay leaders, as well as the whole Church, to take time apart from our usual patterns in order to bring renewed energy and knowledge and skill to the practice of ministry,” says the letter signed by Archbishop Germond on behalf of the bishops.
The letter notes that regardless of where the Government of Ontario is with its reopening plan, Anglican churches will not be reopening for the next three months, a decision made in consultation with public health experts and other diocesan officials.
Online worship services, food security, and other essential outreach and community ministries taking place in church buildings will continue, as they have been in recent months.
