A few days ago, NB Public Health announced the transition to phase 3 of the Recovery Plan. This new phase allows for the opening of our churches for public celebrations of 50 people or fewer (for Sunday and weekday Masses, baptisms, weddings, funerals, and other celebrations).

As of June 6th and 7th, we will once again be able to gather in our respective places of worship to celebrate our faith.  The date of reopening originally set for May 30th was postponed one week by the provincial government, due to new cases of COVID 19 in the Campbellton area.  You can find the details of the provincial recovery plan here:  https://www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/corporate/promo/covid-19/recovery.html

To avoid potential overcrowding and unnecessary trips, the faithful are asked to check with their parish to reserve a place for a specific Mass. This is absolutely necessary because, at the moment, the number of faithful allowed per celebration is fixed at 50 people or fewer, and we must respect this limit. 

All safety and health prevention measures required by government authorities will be put in place in our churches to ensure the health of the participants.

Given that the pandemic is not yet over, the sick, the elderly and those with compromised health are invited to assess whether it would be best for them to continue to nourish their faith by participating in a broadcasted celebration from their home, or by attending a weekday Mass.

The sacramental fasting of the past few weeks has undoubtedly enabled us to realize how important our Sunday gatherings are for our faith, and how much we have missed them.

We will therefore have the joy of meeting once again Saturday or Sunday June 6th or 7th, a week after the great feast of Pentecost that marks the birth of the Church.  May we feel the Holy Spirit blow upon us a wind of peace, joy and rediscovered communion!

Archbishop Valéry Vienneau, Moncton