Ref. # BB-20200313-01
(Kindly reference the above number if you reply to this letter)
March 13, 2020
To all Clergy, Members of Religious Orders and Faithful of Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Saskatoon!
MEMORANDUM
Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory forever!
Effective immediately, and until further notice, we announce the following: Bishop Bryan Bayda, CSsR has discussed with the College of Consultors what should be done in our churches and halls in the Eparchy of Saskatoon regarding the pandemic of COVID-19 virus.
Consequently, all faithful are dispensed from obligations to attend services or Divine Liturgy. However, regularly scheduled services will take place as decided by the local priest of the parish and the local priest will decide if he is available for other sacraments. The local priest will give instructions about how to celebrate the sacraments accordingly. Certainly, all civil regulations from the Governments of the province and municipalities and official health organizations should be followed. No gathering should exceed 250 people so be prepared to be turned away.
No church or hall guarantees freedom from infection. All people attend or participate to the level they wish based on their own risk evaluation. Please exercise your personal prudence and common sense of hygiene.
We call all to fervently pray to our Lord and God and Saviour, Jesus Christ – our Divine Healer to bestow His grace of healing upon all of humanity. Through Lenten practices, let us beseech our Lord to strengthen our trust in Divine Providence. Let us entrust our nation, our communities, and our families as well as ourselves to the Heavenly Protection of the Most Holy Mother of God and Ever Virgin Mary.
Again, this memorandum is in effect immediately until further notice.
In Christ,
Bishop Bryan Bayda, CSsR
Eparch of Saskatoon
