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Pandemic Preparation in our Parish for the Novel Coronavirus COVID-19

​On Friday, December 17th, Dr. Brent Roussin, our chief provincial public health officer, announced the following change to public health orders,  

“For faith-based gatherings, where proof of vaccine is required, there will be a 50 per cent capacity. Where proof of vaccine is not required, it will be… 25 individuals or 25 per cent capacity, whichever is lower”

These changes go into effect at midnight on Monday, December 20th and remain in effect until Tuesday, February 8th. Archbishop Albert has granted all the Catholic faithful of the Archdiocese of Saint Boniface dispensation from their Sunday obligation (cf. Code of Canon Law, 7). Please remember that Manitoba Public Health Officials still recommend staying home if you can to help slow the spread of COVID-19.

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Mass times are:

  • Saturday: 5:00 p.m. (no proof of vaccination required)

  • Sunday: 9:00 a.m.(no proof of vaccination required), 10:30 a.m. (no proof of vaccination required) and 12:00 p.m. (proof of vaccination required)

  • Monday – Friday: 7:00 p.m. (no proof of vaccination required)


Please ensure the following protocol points are observed at all times when in our building.

 

  • We ask that everyone who wishes to attend Mass familiarize themselves with the symptoms of COVID-19 and self-screen before entering our building. If you, or someone you are in close contact with has any of the symptoms of COVID-19, we respectfully ask that you reconsider attending Mass, for the good of our community, and all Manitobans.

  • Facemasks are required for entry to our building. Masks are recommended as a simple barrier to help prevent respiratory droplets from traveling into the air and onto other people when the person wearing the mask coughs, sneezes, talks, or raises their voice.

  • While face shields can provide some protection from COVID-19, they are not better than a mask for reducing exposure to the virus, nor are they equivalent to wearing a mask and should not be used as a substitute.  

  • The wearing of masks is not required of: children under five years of  age, a person with a medical condition that is unrelated to COVID-19, including breathing or cognitive difficulties; a person with a disability that prevents them from safely wearing a mask; a person who is unable to put on or remove a mask without the assistance of another person. 

  • The main doors of our church will open 30 minutes prior to the start of Mass. Remain in your car until our doors are open, do not congregate at the doors, on the church grounds or in our building lobby. Ensure distancing of 2 meters/6 feet between people of other households at all times. 

  • Members of the same household may sit together, but a minimum of 2 meters/ 6 feet must be maintained between each household.

  • Hand sanitizer is available at the entrance of our building.

  • Holy water fonts will remain empty.

  • Offertory baskets will not be passed during the Mass. You will be able to place your offering in a basket as you enter the church. 

  • There is to be no physical contact between households at the Sign of Peace or hand holding during the Lord's Prayer.

  • The Precious Blood will not be offered.

  • We will continue to implement enhanced cleanliness and sanitization practices, including cleaning pews and other high contact surfaces in between each use. 

  • Upon exiting the church, do not congregate in our building lobby or outside. Head directly to your vehicle. Ensure distancing of 2 meters/ 6 feet between members of other households at all times.

  • Follow all Manitoba Public Health Guidelines and Archdiocesan protocols while in our building. 

  • We can all reduce our risk by focusing on the following fundamentals and adopting the following habits to help prevent the spread of COVID-19: Check yourself for symptoms every day, Stay home when you are sick, Get tested if you have symptoms of COVID-19, Wash your hands or use alcohol based hand sanitizer frequently, Cover your cough/sneeze, Maintain social (physical) distancing and Wear a mask when social (physical) distancing is not possible

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We look forward to the day when we can gather restriction free again. If you need anything, do not hesitate to call the parish office and we will do our best to assist you. Thank you for your support and for being a part of the community of St. Gerard Parish!

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​For more information, please visit the following sites: 


​Updated: 28/10/2021

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