One Catholic church in Chatham will be reopening this weekend.
Pastor of the Chatham Catholic Family of Parishes Father Jim Higgins said Bishop Ronald Fabbro has given Blessed Sacrament Parish on Victoria Avenue his blessing to start celebrating the Eucharist [Lord's Supper].
Father Higgins said the pandemic response team is reassuring parishioners who attend the services that they will be protected and able to celebrate their faith without fear.
"We are looking forward to welcoming you home," he said.
Higgins said the church will be limited to 30 per cent capacity in order to maintain a sanitized environment and keep parishioners safe.
"The restrictions for safe gatherings call us to be responsible on the number of people who gather together for worship," Father Higgins said.
Blessed Sacrament will have three celebrations of the Eucharist, one on Saturday at 5 p.m., one on Sunday at 9 a.m., and one on Sunday at noon which will be a bilingual Mass in English and Polish. Parishioners wanting to attend one of the Masses must register either online at www.ccfp.dol.ca or by phoning 519-352-9483. Registration will be accepted on Wednesdays and Thursdays only and parishioners are asked to only attend every second weekend to allow others to attend.
The Diocese of London said masks are strongly recommended but are not required to be worn at the services and everyone attending will be asked questions regarding the COVID-19 virus.
"We are really happy that you will come and celebrate our faith," said the Father. "We want you to know that your welfare is paramount in our precautions."
The Diocese said priests will be required to wear masks when giving out communion.
St. Michael's Catholic Church in Ridgetown is also open again, with restrictions.
Senior Communications Advisor Matthew Clarke said final directives will be out this week, adding priests were briefed on Monday.
