Faced with the seriousness of the health situation, in consultation with the leaders of the parishes and his team, the Archbishop of Quebec takes the difficult decision to suspend the collective celebrations on his territory, from December 23 at midnight , until January 10 2022 (except for funerals).
“I realize that it will be very disappointing not to come together at church this year for Christmas and New Years celebrations, but I consider it our duty to be part of the collective effort. to prevent further spread of the coronavirus, ”explains Cardinal Gérald C. Lacroix.
The Catholic Church of Quebec therefore sent this morning a detailed message to parish officials, available here , to explain this decision taken in a spirit of solidarity with all those involved in the fight against COVID-19, and with those most affected. more vulnerable to the virus.
Gatherings are suspended, but personal visits to churches will remain possible if rules and checks required by public health are implemented. All the Eucharists and other liturgical celebrations planned during this period are therefore canceled, with the exception of funerals which may be celebrated in accordance with the measures decreed by the Government of Quebec.
This communication to the diocesan network also underlines the impressive efforts made to implement the new health measures imposed last week, in particular the verification of the vaccination passport. At the same time, she expresses unease in the face of the tensions that this measure causes in the communities, whose mission is to welcome everyone.
Celebrate differently: some resources
The Catholic Church of Quebec encourages the faithful to live a beautiful Christmas, despite the current difficult circumstances: “May this celebration of Christmas, once again more stripped down, unite us more to the Child of the crèche. May he be born above all in our hearts and inhabit our homes.” The Archbishop also repeats his call to take care of the people who live the hardest this mortgaged holiday season.
Several people, couples, families, have rediscovered in 2020 ways to celebrate the Nativity in the privacy of their homes. We can enhance the Christmas experience by allowing ourselves time for interiority, exchanges and celebration, at home. In the window of its website , the Diocesan Church has gathered some resources, especially for families.
