The Diocese of Sault Ste. Marie is taking steps to help stem the spread of coronavirus.
Effectively immediately and until further notice, "All Masses, weekdays and weekends, as well as Sunday liturgies of the Word are cancelled," says Marcel Damphousse, Bishop of Sault Ste. Marie.
"The churches remain accessible for personal visits during usual mass times," he added in a message to followers.
Meanwhile, Holy Name of Jesus, St. Peter the Apostle and St. Alphonsus Liguori are also affected by this closure according to Fr. Daniele Muscolino.
Among spiritual recommendations:
- All are invited to pray for the sick, for the caregivers and for civil leaders making decisions during this crisis.
- Priests are invited to celebrate a votive Mass for the sick once a week.
- All should make efforts to keep Sunday holy at home, by reading the Word of God using their bible or the resources available on the website; pray the Rosary or other devotions.
- The faithful are encouraged to watch televised Masses.
"We pray for those affected by this virus, for those who are concerned and for the caregivers who dedicate themselves with great generosity," continued the Bishop.
Also, Saturday we learned that all Anglican church services across Ontario cancelled until further notice.
Bishop Michael Oulton, along with other bishops in the province, discussed the "the importance of mitigating the possibility of a further outbreak and standing in solidarity with other religious and secular institutions who have instituted measures in this regard.
