New restrictions on places of worship (31 Dec. 2021)

In response to the continued sharp rise of COVID-19 cases in Quebec, the provincial government has mandated a number of new restrictions. Below is a summary of the new public health guidelines with respect to churches in the Diocese of Quebec.

IN-PERSON SERVICES: As of 5:00 p.m. EST, in-person worship services (including outdoor services) are suspended until further notice. Some exceptions have been made for funerals and weddings, which are outlined below.

FUNERALS: If held indoors, a maximum of 25 people may attend a funeral, not including clergy, volunteers, or funeral home personnel. If next of kin are receiving condolences before the funeral, a maximum of 25 people is permitted in the church building at any given time. Vaccination passports are not required, but masks must be worn at all times and physical distancing observed. If held outdoors, a maximum of 250 may attend a funeral, but masks must be worn and a distance of at least one metre must be maintained between those attending.

WEDDINGS: Weddings may only be held outdoors, with a maximum of 250 people in attendance. Masks should be work and physical distancing respected. A reception may follow the wedding, but it must also be held outdoors and a maximum of 50 people may attend.

CURFEW: Emergency pastoral visits by licensed clergy and lay readers are permitted during curfew, so long as the individual making the emergency visit carries authorization that can be shown to law enforcement officers. If you require such a letter, please contact me directly at bmyers@quebec.anglican.ca.

ONLINE HOME PRAYERS: Home Prayers will continue to be offered on the diocesan Facebook page (@AnglicanQuebec) and over the telephone, returning during this lockdown period to 10:30 a.m. EST on Sundays.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to be in touch with me or Archdeacon Edward Simonton.