Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

1. All parishes are to continue offering Sunday and daily Mass at the appointed times. Attendance must be kept at or below the 50 people required by the Provincial Health Officer and the Ministry of Health and the “social distancing” of two metres is maintained. Parishes may have Mass in more than one space at a time, such as in the church and in the parish hall, provided that each location has a separate entrance, so that the congregations do not mix.
2. All communal penitential services are to be cancelled.
3. Provision is to be made for the Sacrament of Reconciliation to be available to all who seek it, taking into account the following considerations:
   • Confessionals should not be used at this time, for health reasons;
   • Confessions should be heard in a room large enough to allow at least a two-metre distance between priest and penitent, but without being overheard. Provision should also be made (a portable screen or other means) for those who wish to confess anonymously. This may require playing chant or other music in the background. I count on you to find other creative ways to make it possible for the faithful to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
4. Churches are to remain open as usual, for private prayer. Daily Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament is encouraged for as many hours as possible. Ensure by suitable means that the required “social distancing” is maintained by those at prayer.

Measures previously announced can be found at https://rcav.org/coronavirus/.

+J. Michael Miller, CSB
Archbishop of Vancouver