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COVID-19 – Clarifications for Religious Services

New Code Yellow Alert restrictions for all of Manitoba come into effect on September 3rd.

Religious services may be held with 50 per cent of capacity or 150 people, whichever is greater. The gathering limit for funerals, weddings, baptisms and prayer vigils for the deceased is 50 people or 50 % of capacity, whichever is greater. Masks are mandatory indoors.

We have significantly updated our COVID-19 Health Measures and Protocols for Religious Services document, to include sections on Proof of vaccination, Receptions, Fall Supper and Banquets, as well as Catechism.

To read the diocesan document, click here. Or visit the diocesan webpage by clicking here.

To read the Provincial COVID-19 Prevention Orders in effect on September 3, 2021, click here.

Bishop LeGatt: Reflecting on Our COVID-19 Beliefs

This week, Archbishop Albert reflects on the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and the fourth wave we are currently experiencing. Issues such as vaccination and other public health measures have greatly divided people, and as such, Archbishop Albert invites us to take a moment to reflect not only on what we believe, but on why we believe it. Truly, God calls us to charity and love for one another, and he calls us to do everything we can to promote the wellbeing of others, especially the vulnerable and marginalized. As such, the Archdiocese of Saint-Boniface continues to cooperate with provincial regulations, voluntarily, for the wellbeing of all. However, he also clarifies in this video that the Church will never require proof of vaccination upon entry into a church. Let us continue to work together, in open, charitable dialogue, to find the common good, and journey together towards God. Let us walk together, and carry one another.
➡️ Visit here for the most up to date COVID-19-related restrictions in place within our Archdiocese: https://www.archsaintboniface.ca/main.php?p=965

Bishop LeGatt: A Reflection on Suicide

Reflecting on his nephew’s life, recently claimed by suicide, Archbishop Albert reflects, this week, on Brett’s life, and the beautiful person he was. Full of life, vigour, love, and joy, Brett was a gift to all those around him. But suicide claimed his life. Depression exists in so many people’s lives, and sometimes in those whom we least expect. Archbishop Albert thus invites us to start an open dialogue about depression with our loved ones, and urges anyone who may be struggling to seek the supports they need to live full lives. Truly, Jesus weeps with those who weep, and mourns with those who mourn. May Brett’s soul rest in eternal peace and may the Lord give consolation to his family and loved ones during this time of mourning.
➡️Here are some further reflexions, offered by Ron Rolheiser, OMI:
➡️Suicide and melancholy: https://ronrolheiser.com/suicide-and-melancholy/...
➡️Struggling to understand suicide: https://ronrolheiser.com/struggling-to-understand.../...
➡️On suicide and despair: https://ronrolheiser.com/4360-2/#.YSpWf9NKg0o
Death by suicide is the 9th leading cause of death in Canada. According to the American CDC, the rate of death by suicide has risen by a staggering 30% since 1996. Mental health issues exist in every age group, postal code and income bracket. Often, the signs can be difficult to understand, and are tragically overlooked.
Asking for help can be hard. What if I’m not taken seriously? What if they think badly of me? I feel awkward talking about it.
Don’t wait until it’s too late to reach out. Reach out today. We urge you.
Your life matters.
You matter.
You are worth it.
You are loved beyond your understanding by a God who created you, and you have people who care for you too.
Deeply.
There is hope.
Always.
You don’t know who to call? That’s ok. Here is a list of confidential resources available to you. You don’t need to be on the verge of suicide to reach out.
➡️Canada Suicide Prevention Service: http://www.crisisservicescanada.ca/en/
Or give them a call, toll free: 1-833-456-4566
Or just text them: 45645
➡️In French: Association québécoise de prévention du suicide, https://www.aqps.info/nous-joindre.html
Give them a shout anytime: 1-866-APPELLE (1-866-277-3553)
➡️Or find a 24-hour crisis centre nearby: https://suicideprevention.ca/Im-Having-Thoughts-of-Suicide
The latest U.S. data suggests in 54% of completed suicides, there were no known mental health conditions. Here are some of the less obvious signs that could suggest someone is struggling with their mental health:
* Increased substance use (alcohol or drug)
* Feelings of helplessness or hopelessness; no sense of purpose in life
* Anxiety, agitation or uncontrolled anger
* Unable to sleep or sleeping all of the time
* Feelings of being trapped– like there’s no way out
* Withdrawal from friends, family and society
* Acting reckless or engaging in risky activities, seemingly without thinking
* Dramatic mood changes
➡️Check out amazing resources from the Canada Suicide Prevention Service if you suspect you know someone who is thinking about suicide, or who could benefit from you reaching out to them: https://www.crisisservicescanada.ca/.../someone-you-know.../
➡️Are you dealing with loss from suicide? https://www.crisisservicescanada.ca/en/struggling-with-loss/

Bishop LeGatt: Working Together Towards a Formal Apology

The question of an official, local apology, on behalf of the Archdiocese of St. Boniface, to Indian Residential School survivors, has been on Archbishop Albert’s heart for quite some time. He takes this opportunity, this week, to provide some insight and accountability on exactly where this process is standing, and what initiatives the archdiocese has taken, and continues to take, leading up to this much needed, formal apology.
For years, continual dialogue has been developed between Archbishop Albert and local Indigenous leadership, ensuring that any apology be done in a way that is best suited for local Indigenous peoples: in their time, taking their lead, and ensuring that this is an opportunity for healing and reconciliation, and not a time of reopening wounds. This apology will happen, and more than once. At this point, it is a matter of time, and ensuring that it is done according to the needs and realties of Indigenous peoples, to best lead to reconciliation, restitution, and healing.

Bishop LeGatt: On Being Compassion in the Face of Human Suffering

Beyond the pandemic, drought, and political uncertainty, it truly is reconciliation with Indigenous peoples that has underpinned this past year. This truly is the issue of our times, and when addressing these matters, it could be temping for non-Indigenous people to think this has little to do with them, or that this is not their responsibility, tempting them to wipe their hands clean of such issues. However, our response to any human suffering, as Christians and as people of good will, must always be compassion.
We have a responsibility to meet people in their pain, in their hurt, in their suffering, and to be like Jesus to them. So, while recognizing the Church’s, government’s, and other institutions’ responsibility in these matters, and calling these to restitution and action, is of the essence, sooner still, the issue at hand for us it to be present in others’ pain: person to person, in their hurt, in their suffering, just as Jesus is, listening compassionately, authentically, to their story and to their heart. This truly is our responsibility as Christians, and truly what Jesus calls us to today and forever.

Bishop LeGatt: The Power of Words, and Residential Schools

On August 4, Archbishop LeGatt ordained Serge Buissé to the transitional diaconate. On this occasion, Bishop Albert notes the current tension in the Church of Canada, where fear anger and uncertainty concerning the future of the Church.
In all things, we must follow Jesus, who is calling us confidently to change, as servants. Like deacon Serge, we are called to service , by bringing charity and justice to the world. Especially in our words. Words can unite, but they can divide; in particular during this difficult time for our country, confronted with the reality of the Residential School legacy, and the urgent need for truth and reconciliation.
Let us ensure that our words are the voice, heart and mind of Jesus, whenever we speak.