Archbishop of Grouard-McLennan, Most Rev. Gerard Pettipas issued a statement earlier today in reponse to the government of Alberta's new restrictions.

"The spread of COVID-19 in our province and around the world is a matter of deep concern for all of us. This situation changes by the day, if not the hour. The world has indeed become a “global village”. What happens in one part of the world has its impact on the rest.

"I only recently issued protocols for our response in this archdiocese to the coronavirus threat. Already, the realities have changed, and I find myself having to issue further directives. Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer had initially called for a ban on gatherings of 250 people or more, worship services excluded. Late Sunday afternoon, she had to dismiss the exemption of religious services. A further prohibition is placed upon gatherings in excess of fifty people where it is anticipated that high-risk individuals such as seniors are present. I see this as applying to all of our Masses.

"Be assured that this is not just about us. Many dioceses in Canada and elsewhere are taking the same or similar measures. What I write here has been discussed among the Alberta/NWT bishops. The Pope has even declared the Vatican in lock-down mode! Public services have been cancelled throughout Italy, and other majority-Catholic countries.

"We are hearing in many news items and commentaries that we are in exceptional times, that are calling for exceptional measures. We count on these to be temporary, only for as long as they are needed. We pray that this will not be long, but we have no way of knowing how long, or what further decisions may be called for."

All weekend and weekday public Masses in the Archdiocese of Grouard-McLennan are cancelled

"I encourage priests and parishes to keep their churches open during some part of each day, so that the faithful may individually be able to spend time in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament."

For the full list of cancellations and adjustments, visit archgm.ca.