Archdiocese of Toronto Returns to In-person Masses This Weekend

Earlier today, the Government of Ontario announced that the province will enter Step One its re-opening plan on Friday, June 11 at 12:01 a.m.

We are excited to share that thanks to an amendment to the provincial government’s re-opening plan, the Archdiocese of Toronto will return to in-person Mass this weekend.

The June 11 re-opening is providential, as it is the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Parishes have been encouraged to resume in-person Masses as soon as they can do so safely. Please check your parish’s website in the coming days to see when in-person Masses will resume there. WorshipSafe protocols will continue to be in place at this time.

Starting on Friday, June 11, churches will be able to accommodate up to 15 per cent of the building’s capacity, with six-feet of physical distancing between households. In Stage Two, which is expected to commence in July, capacity limits will increase to 25 per cent, with physical distancing. Some parishes will continue to use reservation systems, so please check your parish’s website before arriving for Mass.  

Weddings can resume at 15 per cent capacity, with physical distancing in place. However, the Bereavement Authority of Ontario’s protocols do not allow funeral home staff to assist inside a church with more than 50 people present.

Livestream Masses will continue to be offered at many parishes for those who cannot physically attend Mass at this time. We encourage those who are at an increased risk of COVID-19 to exercise extreme caution when deciding to leave home for any reason. The dispensation from Sunday Mass continues at this time. 

We look forward to welcoming you back!