I’m waiting for the implementation of BC’s Vaccine Passport System, I’ll be starting a three-day novena to Our Lady of Mount Carmel, tomorrow. I’m also looking at Bishop Athanasius Schneider’s Religious Exemption Letter, but it looks like it only applies for employment, not attending Mass or using certain services; can it apply to do those things? I’m looking at the options available for me, so far, it looks like prayer is the only thing available for the most part now. We’ll see if the Lord is merciful and will stop or delay this.
RW, are they mandating the passport for mass attendance? I knew that Australia was starting to do this but not Canada as well.
You will be in my prayers. I know the US govt. is following the same evil plan, but do you have any idea why it seems to be worse in Australia, the UK and Canada?
I’m a bit confused about how this passport system works, I’ve heard some reports saying it applies to churches and others saying it doesn’t; does anyone know where and how this system applies?
It's here in Ontario starting Wednesday and every province is getting on board. Feeling a bit sad but otherwise going to offer the simplicity of this fall and winter's homebound existence to Christ. At least we still have mass and weekly chapel. Winter is going to get super long trapped at home. They are very cold and snowing in Ontario usually. It's the start of a true test of faith and I pray that I can rise to the challenge especially having to lead my family through this. God have mercy on us all.
I am in the same boat, although overseas. Feel free to post the Novena online, I will join belatedly, I just saw your post.
Thanks, HH. Felt this surge of strength reading your post. I haven't heard anything from the authorities as yet; it's all threats so far but I think my job is as good as gone. Still, I pray that I remain bound tight to the Cross. May the Holy Spirit give us all that courage.
Yes, it will take courage from God. But you have my continued daily prayers, You’re welcome. Keep us posted.
Our Premier in Ontario Doug Ford announced today the vax pass (started today) is a temporary measure and won't last a day longer than needed. He mentioned peoples concern over their civil liberties. It may just be words to try to sooth the couple million Ontarians unwilling to take the shots. With no expiry date and the fact that they are putting in the QR code system a month from now it's hard to see how temporary it will be. With communist Trudeau back with his minority gov't wanting the great reset back to full swing I'd be shocked if it ends spring of next year, if ever.
I'm afraid temporary measures like this can all too easily become a permanent reality. Prayers for Ontario and Canada.
https://www.pillarcatholic.com/p/canadian-archdiocese-drops-vaccine Canadian archdiocese drops vaccine registry for Mass News: Canada The Pillar 5 hr ago 3 The Canadian Archdiocese of Moncton has rescinded a policy that required all Catholics wishing to enter church buildings to show proof of having received two doses of a coronavirus vaccination and record their names with volunteers. In an update to the archdiocesan policies published at midday Friday, Archbishop Valery Vienneau said his decision to withdraw the policy came after a conversation between the Catholic bishops of the province and the New Brunswick provincial health authorities on Thursday night. “Accordingly, the four bishops of [New Brunswick] agree on the following steps to make our churches as safe as possible for our faithful. No proof of vaccination is required for Sunday or weekday masses, baptisms, prayer groups, and others,” the archbishop said. Instead, the local Catholic dioceses have agreed to a common set of policies to combat the spread of the virus, including mandatory masks for indoor liturgies, and instituting a cap on attendance at 50% of church building capacity to allow for social distancing. In line with previously published government requirements, proof of vaccination status is required for weddings and funerals in all venues which are not private residences, but there is no maximum capacity cap or requirement for social distancing. The updated policy comes after the archdiocese had previously announced and confirmed policies which went beyond government requirements earlier this week. Government regulations require mandatory proof of vaccination for many public buildings and events, but not houses of worship. The New Brunswick government has the stated aim of reaching a 90% vaccination rate among residents aged 12 and up, and said that if it can not reach that goal, it could impose new restrictions on the size of public gatherings. The original Moncton policies were a response to that goal. On Monday, the Moncton archdiocese said that all those entering a church building would be required to show proof of double vaccination, and have their name and vaccination status recorded by parish volunteers on a list for subsequent reference and possible submission to the government. The government had explicitly said it was not asking for businesses to record the names of vaccinated individuals. Other dioceses in the province announced their own policies of mandatory indoor masking and asked parishioners to take a survey to assess parish-wide vaccination rates, but none had announced a requirement for proof of vaccination. The Archdiocese of Moncton’s policy has raised questions among local Catholics, some of whom have objected to the restriction of access to the sacraments for some Catholics. Now, the province’s Catholic dioceses have a common policy. Earlier in the week, New Brunswick premier Blaine Higgs had warned that, while he was committed to working with religious leaders, restrictions on maximum capacity and a return to social distancing may be necessary for churches, but he stopped short of suggesting proof of vaccination status for houses of worship. The new policies appear in line with the Church’s own internal assessment of vaccines and public health protections during the pandemic. Pope Francis and the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith in Rome have made clear that it is morally acceptable for Catholics to receive all of the widely available vaccines against coronavirus, and stated repeatedly that doing so is a service to the common good. The CDF has also insisted that vaccination is a matter of prudential moral freedom for the individual. The new Moncton policy, now common to all the dioceses of the province, provides that “it is highly desirable for parish employees to be fully vaccinated.” “If this is not the case, they will have to wear a mask at all times and undergo a COVID test periodically according to government policy.” “We will accept anyone who comes to the parish offices to get information or service. If this person is not vaccinated, they must wear a mask,” the archdiocese said. Announcing the new policies on Friday, Archbishop Vienneau said that “we understand the concerns of [New Brunswick] Public Health and continue to work together following the guidelines issued to reduce the transmission of COVID-19.” “We are all concerned about the current situation in the province. I am very grateful to all the parish priests and volunteer teams who are doing everything possible to ensure the health and well-being of our faithful.”
