Baptisms “should be discouraged until the lock-down ends, but may be celebrated in danger of death,” the bishop wrote.
Confessions, too, should be discouraged, but may be celebrated by appointment if a pastor determines “a serious need.” Confessions should be deferred until after the lockdown except in danger of death.
Weddings and funerals may proceed within the 10 person limit, Fabbro said.
The province of Ontario includes 13 dioceses, of which London is the southernmost.
Cardinal Thomas Collins of Toronto, the largest archdiocese in the province, announced that public Masses would be suspended during the new lockdown, with confessions, weddings, and funerals continuing within the 10-person limit, but with First Holy Communion, First Reconciliation and Confirmations postponed.
Bishop Thomas Dowd of the Diocese of Sault Ste. Marie issued a similar decree.
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The Diocese of Hearst-Moosonee encouraged parishes to livestream Masses but has not suspended public worship.
Bishop Serge Poitras of Timmins announced the new 10-person restrictions saying “Obviously, we must respect this norm” but did not announce a suspension of worship.
The Diocese of Peterborough has suspended public Sunday Masses in most areas of the dioceses, while in one area of the diocese both Sunday and weekday Masses will still be celebrated publicly.