20 December 2020 – Fourth Sunday of Advent

Dear parishioners,

We want to thank all the parishioners of St. Cecilia for their ongoing support during this period of great uncertainty. It has been wonderful to see so many of you at Mass since we re-opened in June. We are especially grateful to the volunteers who have helped ensure our church is a safe place to gather – they have done incredible work!

As you know, the number of new COVID-19 cases in the Greater Toronto Area has increased significantly in recent days and, at present, Toronto and Peel Regions are in the “Lockdown Stage” as identified by the Province of Ontario. In addition, Premier Ford announced on November 20th, 2020 special emergency measures that need to be taken in our area.

For this reason, as of Monday, November 23^rd, we must restrict attendance inside the church to 10 people, including priests hearing confessions and people required to monitor capacity restrictions. Sadly, due to these measures, public Masses must be temporarily cancelled. Priests will continue to celebrate private Mass daily for the intentions of parishioners and for those suffering from Covid.

Our church will remain open for private prayer and for the faithful to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation.  We will be open daily for private prayer: Mon.to Sat.  8:30 a.m. - 10 a.m. and Sun. 8:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. Reconciliation will continue to be by appointment. Weddings, funerals and baptisms will now be restricted to 10 persons, including those who are involved in ministry (priest, cantor, lector etc.).  The Confirmations we had scheduled will need to be postponed.

While I recognize it is not a substitute for attending Mass in person, I encourage you to view online/livestream or televised Masses.  A full list is available at www.archtoronto.org. Visit our parish website to link our parish Sunday Masses.

All non-essential meetings in the parish will move to virtual meetings or they may be postponed. Our staff will be working remotely  wherever possible.  Our office hours are:  Wednesday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

We recognize these measures are extremely challenging. I am also so incredibly grateful for the efforts of our heroic volunteers who have been faithfully welcoming parishioners and cleaning the church between services, ensuring that we can operate safely and responsibly. Your selflessness and generosity is inspiring!

If you would like to continue financial support of the parish during this temporary closure,  you may drop your offering off in the mail slot of the office door at 161 Annette Street or mail it to the office.  You may also visit the Archdiocese of Toronto:  https://www.archtoronto.org/ to donate on-line to the parish or to sign up for pre-authorized giving.

So many of the faithful rely on the reception of the sacraments and our churches to find solace, peace and support during this period of pandemic. Despite these new restrictions, we will make every effort to continue our outreach to you. We also ask that you find opportunities to assist those who are vulnerable or alone among us. Please visit our website or listen to our phone message for updates. We pray that you and your loved ones remain safe and healthy. Thank you for your patience and prayers as we navigate this wave.  Keep Care. Look after one another and may God bless you.

Yours in Christ,
Rev. Joseph Tap Tran