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Good morning and welcome to COVID Communiqué 4. There’s important news in the letter from our Metropolitan, Archbishop Anne Germond, found here: https://bit.ly/302kui7

She reports the Ontario House of Bishops has decided “that regardless of where the Government of Ontario is with its reopening plan, our churches will not be reopening for in-person worship until at least September.” Bishop Shane Parker will address this matter, and what it means for the Diocese of Ottawa, in next week’s Communiqué.

There’s no other COVID news this week, but we wanted to send you the blessing offered by Bishop Shane from the forecourt of our Cathedral, shortly after his consecration, which was unfortunately not audible on the broadcast. The tradition of a new bishop blessing their “see city” is an ancient custom.

A Blessing for the City of Ottawa

The blessing of God who creates life,
be upon this city as we celebrate life.
The blessing of God who restores life,
be upon this city as we rebuild our lives.
The blessing of God who sanctifies life,
be upon this city as we bring life,
hope, healing and justice to others.
Et que la paix de Dieu,
qui surpasse toute intelligence,
descende sur la ville d'Ottawa
et demeure toujours avec nous.
Amen

If you have any questions, or there’s a development we’ve missed, or you find something that’s out of date or wrong, please let us know by sending a note to Heidi Pizzuto, Executive Assistant to the Bishop, and she will direct your note to the right person. There are so many questions around COVID-19, we don’t want to add any more or miss any answers.

The Communiqué is produced by the senior staff of the diocese:

Shane Parker, Bishop of Ottawa
Sanjay Grover, Director of Financial Ministry
Peter John Hobbs, Director of Community Ministries
Jane Scanlon, Director of Stewardship Development
Carol Sinclair, Director of Human Resources