Re-Opening Update

On May 28, Diocesan Administrator, the Very Rev. Alex Meek, updated clergy regarding re-opening plans for parishes this summer, based on plans announced by Premier Jason Kenney earlier in the week.  

“As we follow the restrictions in place from the provincial government,” Meek said, “parishes may be open for in-person worship as the stages allow.”  

As of May 28, we may have worship services at 15% of the fire code in our buildings, and in Phase Two at 1/3 of fire code, or the number you can safely seat with social distancing in place; whichever is less. Please continue to follow all social distancing and safe gathering protocols, as these restrictions all currently remain in place.”  

I know there are many questions around Phase Three of reopening and the removal of all indoor restrictions. As we approach that phase, new diocesan guidelines will be issued. However, even if the province does remove all restrictions by early July, there will be guidelines that the diocese will continue to follow throughout the summer.”  

There is no requirement for any parish to move quickly to return to in-person worship. It is important, however, to begin conversations about how you will do so when the time does come. It is my hope that if there is no major setback over the summer, all parishes will be able to safely open by September.”   

Watch the diocesan website and the Synod Scene for further updates as they become available.