Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
I have heard from many of you with concerns about Mass attendance and Covid 19. While it is not in my power to cancel Masses here at the Basilica of Our Lady without the Bishop’s authorization, Canon law does give me the power, as your Pastor, to dispense you from your Sunday Obligation. Accordingly if you are ill, elderly, infirm, susceptible to viruses, or worried for your own health and that of your family please stay home, and know that I dispense you from your obligation to attend Sunday Mass until the cessation of the spread of the corona virus. If you are scheduled for any ministry please do not hesitate to inform your ministry leader that you will be unavailable, and know that I will find a way to cover your ministry in your absence. Please know that Sunday Mass at the Basilica will be taped and broadcast on our facebook page. Please see the website of the Diocese of Hamilton for any further guidelines from Bishop Crosby. May God bless you all with health and peace, and may Our Lady, Health of Christians bring about a swift end to the spread of this virus.
I am faithfully yours,
Fr. Ian Duffy,
Rector