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Hello and welcome to COVID Communiqué 43. Back in February, when the post-Christmas lockdown lifted in Ontario, what that would mean for Lent, Holy Week and Easter was top of mind. Taking into account stern advice from public health experts, and Bishop Shane’s concern not to have us move out of our Red stage precautions too quickly if that would mean we had to go back into them in short order — we cautioned that any plans would have to be tentative. 

That’s still the case. Two weeks ago, we said we hoped to announce on March 17 whether churches could be open on Palm Sunday and through Holy Week. Regretfully, we now must postpone that decision until March 24 — it is still too soon to say. Vaccinations are moving ahead, which is news to be thankful for; but the scope and impact of the variants remain unknown and potentially volatile. 

Waiting until March 24 does not give you the time we would all like to prepare, but it does let us hold out hope for more certainty when the decision is made. Some churches have already decided not to open, and are preparing for alternative forms of worship; others are planning both Red and Amber liturgies so they will be ready in either case. Each of you, as ever, knows what is best for your congregation. 

We have all struggled much and learned much in this past year; whether we can meet in person at Easter or not, the joy of the Resurrection and the promise of spring will be there to give us renewed strength and hope in our ongoing pandemic journey. If you have any questions about preparing for Holy Week or other issues, please contact the COVID-19 help desk: C19helpdesk@ottawa.anglican.ca. 

COVID Communiqué is produced by our senior staff:
Shane Parker, Bishop
Beth Bretzlaff, Dean
Linda Hill, Executive Archdeacon
Sanjay Grover, Director of Financial Ministry
Peter John Hobbs, Director of Community Ministries
Jane Scanlon, Director of Communications & Stewardship Development
Carol Sinclair, Director of Human Resources
Michael Garner, Public Health Advisor