THUNDER BAY — The Roman Catholic Diocese of Thunder Bay has cancelled all Sunday masses in all parishes for the next two weekends.
Bishop Fred Colli made the announcement Monday afternoon.
The cancellation affects Saturday night and Sunday masses on the weekends of March 21/22 and March 28/29.
Weekday masses will continue, the bishop's statement said, because crowds are usually much smaller.
However, he said "People using their discretion attending should practise 'social-distancing' and stay at least one meter away from each other at the Mass."
There is to be no shaking of hands, and Communion will be received only in the hand.
In a memo to all parishes, the bishop instructed that they provide tissues and hand sanitizers in appropriate places in the church or foyers.
"Please encourage your people to view Mass on Vision TV or on the internet" on the weekends when there is no Mass, he said.
The statement added that social-distancing should also be encouraged for people attending funerals.
The status of Masses on the Palm Sunday weekend will be assessed as the occasion draws nearer.
