We have been informed that a small number of people sitting silently on the church apron outside the doors during Mass, carefully observing all the health regulations, is now prohibited. We have been setting up a few chairs and a loudspeaker, weather permitting, since last fall.

This is notwithstanding the many other indoor and outdoor activities which are permitted in our Red Zone that involve movement and speech: sports, concerts and much more. Yesterday a group of about a dozen striking teachers gathered in front of our neighbouring school singing and shouting within feet of each other. (This is no comment about the justice of their cause, but rather the inconsistency and incoherence of the restrictions.)

Please don’t hesitate to contact your MNA to express your concern.

Indoor Masses for 25 persons and the 11:00 Sunday livestream will continue, along with the distribution of Holy Communion at 12:30 on Sunday. Sitting in your car listening to Mass at FM 97.3 is still permitted.

Maybe some comic relief is in order: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FqyfTr7oYgM

• The Pillars Trust will be offering helpful and interesting information and social sessions to seniors and would like their input
• Catholic Action newsletter
• Free virtual men’s conference
• We are in the Easter season until Pentecost. Here is the Canadian Bishops’ Easter message and their recent message on euthanasia.
• Register for upcoming Masses (April 17 - 23 inclusive) at 3pm Wednesday here: https://rsvp.church/r/edidKl7B. The current limit is 25 persons at each Mass:
  Saturdays at 4:00 and 5:15.
  Sundays at 9:00 and 11:00.
  Monday to Friday: 8:30 and 9:30.
  

• Fr. Jaison Joseph, our Pastoral Team and the parish wardens join me in wishing you a happy and blessed Easter. It was a joy to celebrate the holy days with a larger number of people than we have had in recent months. We look forward to the day when there will be no restrictions on attendance.
• The Easter Vigil was very beautiful this year. If you missed it, click here.
• On this coming Sunday, the Second Sunday of Easter, also known as Divine Mercy Sunday, the Chaplet of Divine Mercy will be said at the conclusion of all Masses, as we do every year. A powerful prayer that takes about five minutes.
• It’s still possible to sign up for “Catholicism”, the beautiful and inspiring 10-part series consisting of a 50-minute video, followed by 20-minute casual conversations in small groups. Why not evangelize a little by inviting a friend, relative or neighbour?
  Beginning Wednesday, April 14 @ 7:00 pm, via Zoom.
  Register here
  Watch the trailer here
• Archbishop Lépine’s Easter message

• Here is the latest information on the Easter Triduum services. You might want to print it for easy reference.
• All these services will be limited to 75 persons (except the Hall Masses, which have a limit of 25). This is the number we can receive without risk of compromising the health and safety of our parishioners.
• Weather permitting, there is also some seating outside the doors of the church at Holy Day and Sunday Masses, with speakers to hear Mass and the distribution of Holy Communion. You can also listen to Mass in your cars in the parking lot on 97.3 FM.
• Weekday Masses: Beginning Easter Monday, April 5, we will return to one Mass each day at 8:30, for 75 persons (registration opens Wednesday, March 31 @ 3pm sharp).
• As the government limits funerals to 25 persons, those who wish to follow Dawn Valero Richardson’s funeral from our church on Tuesday, April 6, at 11:00 , may do so via this livestream link.
• Pastor’s request: As we operate with a small number of employees and of very dedicated volunteers, please cooperate with them when they assign you a seat by gracefully accepting that place and not moving to another seat. It is not possible to explain all the logistical reasons each time.
• Why do we call it Good Friday?
• Join Archbishop Lépine virtually on Wednesday, March 31, at 6:30pm for the Chrism Mass, at which the Archbishop blesses the Holy Oils for use throughout the entire coming year.
• The traditional Good Friday collection for the Holy Land has been postponed until Sunday, September 12. It is possible, however, to contribute now online. Any donations given at church for that purpose will be forwarded until September. Any other offerings will go to the parish.
• Local resources and other information are available in the Grapevine newsletter and other diocesan news and information.