St. John Chrysostom Parish Newmarket ON News and Updates

Friday, June 12, 2020

Dear Parishioners of St. John's,

We pray that you and your loved ones are safe and healthy during this most challenging time. Know that you have been close in prayer during daily Mass. We also pray for the sick, those who have been called home to the Lord and our front-line health care and essential workers.

You may have heard that soon we will be able to re-open our churches once again. We are thankful as this time of closure has been painful and difficult. As we implement our re-opening plans, we must do so with prudence and caution, ensuring that we do everything possible to reduce the potential transmission of the virus.

Since we are not yet prepared to open the church safely, the St. John's will NOT be open this coming weekend. We have a great team of staff members working on opening as soon as it is safe.

In the next few days, we will be communicating more details with you so please check back often (or be sure that you have subscribed to receive "news" items on the website).

Here is what we can let you know now:

People will be registering to attend Mass.
The church will be marked for physical distancing.
We will have clear instructions for you when you come.
The washrooms will not be open
We ask that you wear face masks.
There will be no congregational singing.
Famiilies can sit together IF they live in the same household.
If you are feeling unwell, or are vulnerable, we ask you to stay home and be safe.

Finally, we are going require a significant number of volunteers to take on the many tasks required for re-opening. If you'd like to volunteer, please email us at parish.office@stjohnsnewmarket.ca.

Our joy of re-opening churches is measured with the restrictions that will be required. However, returning to sacramental life and gathering as a community is sustenance essential for our faith community during these trying days.

We look forward to welcoming you back soon – be assured that you remain in our prayers each day.

Sincerely in Christ,

Fr. Efren and the Pastoral Team and Staff of St. John's

Posted: 14 June 2020