The Archdiocese of Edmonton has updated its guidelines pertaining to liturgical celebrations and the use of parish space in light of the Nov. 24 announcement by the Government of Alberta regarding enhanced public health measures to keep everyone safe, protect the health system and slow the spread of Covid-19.
These latest provincial restrictions are in place for the next three weeks, at which time the province will review them. The Archdiocese shall review these liturgical policies at the same time, in dialogue with the office of the Chief Medical Officer.
All parishes in the Archdiocese are asked that:
- All Alberta Health Services (AHS) and government regulations continue to be observed.
- All previous Covid-19 Archdiocesan guidelines continue to be in effect and should be followed by all parishes regardless of the municipality in which they are located.
- If a parish cannot implement provincial and liturgical guidelines, the parish should not be offering mass to the public.
- Dispensation of the faithful from the obligation to attend Sunday mass remains in place until decreed otherwise by the Archbishop.
In short: Mask use is mandatory, Masses are at one-third capacity (or less if required to maintain social distancing), weddings, baptisms and funerals are limited to 10 people including clergy. Parishes exposed to COVID must notify both Alberta Health Services and the Archdiocese’s Pastoral Administration Office.
Download the full guidelines (PDF, 2 pages)