COVID-19 Update

On March 22, 2020 the Chief Public Health Officer of the NWT issued an advisory that all gatherings, of any size, should be cancelled and ordered that non-essential services businesses be closed. Additional information can be found here: https://cklbradio.com/2020/03/23/chief-public-health-officer-advises-nwt-residents-to-cancel-public-gatherings/

This means that effective immediately there is to be no public gathering in any of the Mackenzie-Fort Smith churches. This includes public celebration of the Mass, Wedding, Funeral or any other gathering of any size. The doors of all churches in the diocese will be closed.

This is a difficult time for our community here in Hay River and the wider world. We most hold fast to hope. In the words of Pope St. John Paul II “Do not be afraid. Open wide the doors for Christ.” We must open the doors of our hearts to Christ and trust in the Lord who will give us everything we need. We are grateful that there are opportunities to connect, worship and participate in many activities online. Here are some opportunities for parishioners and anyone wishing to connect more with the Catholic faith:

1. Bishop Jon Hansen will be live-streaming daily Mass on the Roman Catholic Diocese of Mackenzie-Fort Smith Facebook page.

2. Formed is an organization that provides faith formation programming online and given that so many of us are in isolation or are practicing social distancing, they are offering a 40 day free trial. When you sign up, you will gain access to Catholic movies, faith formation videos, audio talks, and children’s videos. It is available through iOS, Android, desktop, connected TV (TVOS and ROKU), and XBOX. For more information and to sign up, paste the following link into your web browser: https://watch.formed.org/browse

Additional information on Formed can be found here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nkbOLjSdizw
https://leaders.formed.org/faith-at-home/

Let us end with a prayer (A Prayer by Saint Benedict for Seekers of Faith):
O gracious and holy Father,
give us wisdom to perceive you,
diligence to seek you,
patience to wait for you,
eyes to behold you,
a heart to meditate upon you,
and a life to proclaim you,
through the power of the spirit
of Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen