WEST CARLETON – Fitzroy Harbour and Constance Bay’s Catholic churches will offer limited times in which to practice, but the reverend says the places won’t be risk free.

“Our archbishop has given permission for churches to be open for a short period each day in order for the faithful to be present before the Blessed Sacrament for a time of private prayers and devotions,” Father John Orban released in a statement today (March 21). “While this is in no way obliges anyone to participate, it does have immeasurable spiritual benefits for everyone.”

Orban says volunteers will do their best to keep St. Michael’s and St. Gabriel’s Catholic churches clean, risks still remain.

“While I cannot guarantee  the church or anyone who attends will be virus free, I can guarantee it will be a less riskier place to be than any other public place that remains open as an essential service,” he said. “That being said, anyone over the age 70 or in poor health or anyone caring for these people should consider staying at home if they want to be absolutely sure of not coming into contact with any viruses.”

For information on accessing televised versions of the mass and instructions on making spiritual communion in your home, click here.

“Regardless of how many people attend, be assured of the continuous daily prayers and sacrifices of myself and the entire universal church for you during these challenging times,” Orban said. “If you choose to come to church during the posted times, please exercise caution in your social distancing and proper personal hygiene such as hand washing and sanitizing. The church pews and tables will be emptied of any books and papers and common surfaces will be treated with a disinfectant.”

Below is a schedule of times the parishes will be open each day until further notice. Times will be for approximately one hour and will include a simple exposition and reposition of the Blessed Sacrament and a time of personal prayers in between:

• Saturday 4-5 p.m. at St. Michael
• Sunday 9-10 a.m. at St. Michael
• Sunday 11-12 a.m. at St Gabriel
• Monday 3-4 p.m. at St. Gabriel
• Tuesday 7-8 p.m. at St. Michael
• Wednesday 7-8 p.m. at St. Gabriel
• Thursday 3-4 p.m. St. Michael
• Friday 3-4 p.m. St. Gabriel

Other times are possible upon request. The sacrament of reconciliation will be available by personal request during these times or by appointment at other times as well.