Chancery Office, Pembroke
June 8, 2020

My dear faithful of the diocese,

In the past weeks, the Bishops of Ontario have been working together to formulate comprehensive guidelines for the safe opening of our parishes. These guidelines are being used at the diocesan level to create a user-friendly version for our local parishes.

An aspect of these guidelines is the availability of proper cleaning material and protective equipment so that we open safely. Much work is being done in these days, and the availability of these materials remains a challenge.

The Premier of Ontario has decided that churches can open on 12 June 2020 with certain restrictions, and provided that the proper safety measures have been taken. I authorize that churches may open as soon as these safety measures are in place. A detailed protocol will be issued in the coming days. The protocol will also apply to the Quebec sector of the Diocese, but within the timeline set by the Quebec government. More information will follow as it becomes available.

Thank you for your continued patience in this matter. I am convinced that with the good work done to this stage, we will very soon be in a position to move forward in a safe and responsible manner.

Please know of my prayers for you and for all those making special sacrifices in these difficult times.

In Christ,

†Michael Mulhall
Archbishop of Kingston
Apostolic Administrator of Pembroke