COVID-19 Updates

The PROVINCE OF ONTARIO is

Almost Fully Reopened

This means we have no capacity limit and masks are optional.
St. Francis of Assisi Parish does offer distanced seating options in the side sections of pews.

We will continue with our usual schedule of Masses:
Tuesday – Friday – 9am Weekday Mass
Saturday – 5pm Lord’s Day Mass
Sunday – 9am and 11am Lord’s Day Mass

Before coming to Mass please consider these requirements:

  • If you have an elevated temperature, are suffering from cough, sputum production, shortness of breath, undue fatigue, loss of appetite, muscle aching, runny nose, chills involving shakes, loss of sense of taste or smell; if you are sick please do not come to church. Please stay home and consult your healthcare provider.
  • If you have been in close contact with anyone who has tested positive or is a suspected case of COVID-19 please stay home and follow public health guidelines.

What Happens if our Priest gets COVID?

GIVEN THE HIGH TRANSMISSIBILITY OF THE OMICRON VARIANT, and the need to isolate if one is infected, Pastors have been advised that if they or an Associate test positive for COVID-19 and are required to isolate, they are to inform parishioners through the Parish Website and by notices published on doors of the Parish Office and Church that the Parish is closed for the isolation time and will remain closed until a negative result is received. A few of our Parishes, including the Cathedral Basilica of Christ the King, are closed this weekend as Priests complete the required five-day isolation. Parishioners are reminded that masks are required for church-goers. Following the constant recommendation of medical officers of health, vaccines and booster shots are strongly encouraged!

~ Bishop Crosby, Jan. 7, 2022

Diocese of Hamilton Vaccination Policy

The official position of the Catholic Church is that all available COVID vaccines are ethical and all Catholics who are able are encouraged to receive the vaccine. All employees serving in the Diocese of Hamilton are encouraged to be fully vaccinated or to submit to a COVID rapid test every Monday and Thursday in order to carry out their responsibilities. Volunteer liturgical ministers are required to be fully vaccinated. Bishop Douglas Crosby, OMI, encourages every member of the Catholic Church within our Diocese of Hamilton to be fully vaccinated.

You can read the full Vaccination Policy by clicking here.