Catholics across southwestern Ontario will not be able to visit their local church or attend mass until May due to COVID-19 concerns.
The Diocese of London, which operates from Windsor to Woodstock and Goderich to Port Dover, has announced it is closing all churches and suspending masses and services until at least April 30. The decision came following consultations between the Diocese and public health officials.
"We decided that it is our responsibility as citizens to work together with others in our communities to take measures to minimize the spread of COVID-19 and to care for those who are sick and most vulnerable as a result of this virus," Bishop Ronald Fabbro said in a statement. "I encourage all our faithful to be to be vigilant about personal cleanliness and keeping appropriate distances from others."
While funeral masses and luncheons will not be allowed during this time, rite of committal will still be held at cemeteries with only immediate family members present. Fabbro is also recommending any already scheduled weddings be delayed or limited to immediate family only, "up to the number of people allowed at a gathering as determined by local health officials."
The church has postponed all baptisms until further notice and will only be hearing confessions in the case of danger or death.
Parish offices are also being closed to the public.
"We are making these sacrifices out of charity and for the sake of the common good," added Fabbro. "Our priests, deacons, lay pastoral ministers, and our faithful are reaching out to those in need at this difficult time, especially those who are elderly, vulnerable and isolated."
The Diocese of London serves approximately 450,000 Catholics across the region. It has set up an outreach page on its website with resources such as online masses, articles and activities for children and families.