Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

After weighing before the Lord the gravity of the current coronavirus situation, which is worsening daily, I believe that now is the time to leave to the conscience of each pastor whether and how to celebrate Holy Mass with a congregation – on weekdays or on Sunday – taking account of the circumstances of his own parish.

In every instance, as I have already clearly affirmed, the directives of the public health authorities regarding public gatherings must be very carefully followed.

While I commend the creativity of parishes which distributed Holy Communion outside of Mass as a response to the limitations on public gatherings, I do not believe this should  continue as we move forward. I am concerned that the practice might obscure the meaning of the Eucharistic Sacrifice, especially over an extended period.

The Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life, and being unable to participate in person is a deprivation keenly felt by the faithful. Rest assured, however, that I and all our priests will remember you and your families as we offer Mass each day and particularly on Sundays,  as always for the glory of God and the salvation of the world.

Let us pray, and pray fervently, that the virus will soon be defeated and we can return to the joyful celebration of Holy Mass, with large congregations that are healthy and spiritually renewed by their Lenten practices of prayer, fasting and works of mercy.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

+J. Michael Miller, CSB
Archbishop of Vancouver