Bishop Gerard Bergie writes:

The Government of Ontario has begun to lift restrictions concerning COVID-19. Although we are still under a state of emergency, the first phase of the three-stage process of ‘opening up’ the province has begun. Unfortunately, opening up our churches is not part of this initial step.

In preparation for the day when this will happen, the Executive of the Assembly of Catholic Bishops of Ontario is developing a protocol. These guidelines will assist dioceses in the process of reopening parishes. From what I understand, it is suggested that this too be done in stages. There is also an ongoing discussion with government and health care officials to ensure that the reopening will begin as soon as reasonably possible. 

Like all of you, I long for the day when we can, once again, publicly celebrate the sacraments in our churches.

The 57th World Day of Prayer for Vocations takes place Sunday, May 3, 2020. The purpose of this Day of Prayer is to publicly celebrate vocations to ordained ministry and religious life in all its forms. 

Bishop Gerard Bergie reminds all the faithful to pray for an increase of vocations to the priesthood, diaconate, and consecrated life in our diocese of Saint Catharines. Although we cannot be present physically, the Bishop invites all to join spiritually in prayer and adoration. On Sunday, May 3, there will be a Holy Hour at 3 p.m. in the Cathedral to celebrate The World Day of Prayer for Vocations. This will be live streamed. For more information, go to https://www.thecathedralinstcatharines.com. 

(To access the stream, go to YouTube and search on stcatharines cathedral -s- live.)

For more on the World Day of Prayer, visit https://www.worlddayofprayerforvocations.com. 
Pope Francis' message for 2020 can be found here:
http://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/messages/vocations/documents/papa-francesco_20200308_57-messaggio-giornata-mondiale-vocazioni.html

In solidarity with a number of Episcopal Conferences throughout the world, all dioceses and eparchies in Canada are asked to consecrate their dioceses to Mary, Mother of the Church, on Friday, May 1, 2020. We are asked to seek her maternal protection during the coronavirus pandemic.

Bishop Gerard Bergie will consecrate the Diocese of Saint Catharines at the Cathedral, during a live streamed Mass in honour of St. Joseph the worker. The Mass will be celebrated at 12 noon Friday May 1.

For more information, go to https://www.thecathedralinstcatharines.com. 

(To access the stream, go to YouTube and search on stcatharines cathedral -s- live.)

An update from Bishop Gerard Bergie on the diocesan response under pandemic conditions is in the memorandum below. 

While closed for public worship until further notice during the the COVID-19 pandemic, the office continues to operate, staff and bills still need to be paid.

To donate to St. Patrick parish during this time, the parish will accept e-transfers beginning on Wednesday, April 15, 2020.

These transfers are often referred to as Interac e-Transfer​s and are done through your online banking website or app.

To transfer funds to St. Patrick parish, e-transfer funds to stpatrick1895@hotmail.com.

In the comment section or message section, please enter your church envelope number. If you do not remember it or do not use a numbered church envelope, please enter your address.  

This is a first for us, so please bear with us as we begin this new way of accepting donations. If you have any questions regarding EMT (email money transfers) please call the office Monday through Friday 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. at (905) 354-7451 or email us.

We thank you for your patience and generosity during this difficult time.

Further links explaining e-transfers:
https://www.interac.ca/en/consumers/products/interac-e-transfer/
https://www.investopedia.com/terms/e/email-money-transfer.asp

A letter from the Most Reverend Gerard Bergie, D.D., bishop of the diocese of Saint Catharines, for this Easter season, is available below.

Due to the declaration of a state of emergency in the Niagara Region with new restrictions, the planned 'drive-through' distribution of palms has had to be cancelled.

Let us always keep Christ and His Passion in our hearts as we observe these necessary safeguards for the common good.

Dear Friends,

Holy Week is upon us! We are entering the most sacred days of our Church Year. Sadly, we cannot get together to celebrate as a community. I am celebrating a Mass each evening at 7:00, and it is broadcast live through my Facebook profile (Power Gerry). 

On Palm Sunday at 9:00 a.m., I will be celebrating a Blessing of Palms. This will also be through a live feed on my Facebook profile. 

Beginning at 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. on Palm Sunday, I invite our parishioners to take a drive to St. Patrick Church parking lot and pick up your Blessed Palms. Please follow the instructions below. 

Instructions

Please enter the back parking lot on Huron Street. Continue through the gates to the playground parking lot in single file; and exit on Maple Street in front of the school. Someone will pass your Palms to you. 

If you wish to drop off your Sunday Offertory envelopes, you may wish to do so at this time as well. 

May God bless all of you and keep you safe. Until we meet again, may God hold you in the hollow of his hand! 

In Christ,

Fr. Gerard

The letter below from Rev. Gerard Power, O. Carm, pastor of the parish of Saint Patrick, addresses the current situation:

If the letter does not appear for you in the box above, it can be downloaded below. 

Bishop Gerard Bergie is asking all the clergy and laity of the diocese of Saint Catharines to join in praying the rosary at twelve noon on the Feast of the Annunciation, March 25, for protection from the coronavirus, recovery for the sick, and protection and strength for all health care givers.

The bishop will also be renewing the consecration of the diocese to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

This will be live streamed from the Cathedral; check for links on the Diocesan website (http://www.saintcd.com) or the CathedraI’s website (https://www.thecathedralinstcatharines.com).

The full memorandum is available below.