My dear Brethren:
As I follow the rapidly changing news and, more importantly, the Provincial Health officer’s warnings and advisories, my concern for the health and well-being of all of the parishioners at our Cathedral Church, and of those in the larger community, increases; especially given the demographics of our Cathedral Parish. Consequently, I have decided to cancel Sunday Mass and Mattins, as well as all other Services and meetings, at the Cathedral Church for the duration of the Covid-19 pandemic. Even though our numbers do not exceed 50 as specified by Order of the BC Provincial Health Officer, and our space would allow for the required social distancing, nevertheless, I would not want you to travel or come together for worship at the risk of your own health or that of loved ones. This is not a decision reached lightly, and one I make with great regret. I do so with continued faith in the power of God to cure, heal and comfort all who are experiencing sickness, isolation and anxiety at this time.
While the public celebration of Mattins and Mass at the Cathedral Church on Sundays is cancelled for the time being, I will be celebrating Mass at the Cathedral Altar at 10:00 am each Sunday, as is my bounded duty and service as a Bishop and Chief Pastor. The Cathedral Church will be open for prayer between 9:30 am and 11:30 am each Sunday — mindful of the need to maintain safe social distancing from each other of at least 3 feet or 1 metre at all times.
Please see below a prayer card for Spiritual Communion when unable to attend Mass. I would also encourage you to pray Morning Prayer and Evening Prayer as found in the Book of Common Prayer, using the Collect, Epistle and Gospel for the Sunday.
Prayer in the time of the Covid-19 pandemic:
Almighty God, whose blessed Son Jesus Christ went about doing good, and healing all manner of sickness and disease among the people: Continue, we beseech thee, this his gracious work among us, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic; cheer, heal and sanctify the sick; grant to the physicians, nurses and caregivers wisdom and skill, sympathy and patience; and send down thy blessing upon all who labour to prevent suffering and to forward thy purposes of love; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. [BCP, page 55, #40.]
With my continued prayers and blessing,
In Christ Jesus our Lord,
+Shane
Archbishop Shane B. Janzen, OSG, DD
Cathedral Church of Saint John the Evangelist
The Anglican Catholic Church of Canada
Traditional Anglican Communion
