Bishop of Calgary says it is important for the faithful to gather for Christmas services during the pandemic – Calgary | The Canadian News

It will be another quiet night at Hillhurst United Church in Northwest Calgary. This is the second Christmas that the services will be conducted online.

In fact, the last face-to-face service held at the church was in March 2020.

“It was a heartbreaking and difficult decision to close for the second year in a row,” said John Pentland, senior minister for Hillhurst United Church.

This year, church leaders at Hillhurst United are urging other places of worship to go online as well because of COVID-19.

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“The advice we’re getting is that (the services) could be super-diffusers. It’s really important that all large gatherings are limited, so we think it’s important to stay closed to save lives, ”Pentland said.

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The Bishop of Calgary, William McGrattan, said he is grateful that the people of Alberta are still able to gather in churches this Christmas.

He said that it is important for the emotional and mental well-being of the followers to be able to attend mass during the holidays.

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“Getting people together at Christmas can, for some, be a real source of support and encouragement, especially those without family members,” McGrattan said. “They come and see other parishioners and they have this sense of extended family and community and they miss it. Especially the older parishioners. “

He said that no Catholic church in Calgary has canceled Christmas Masses.

“I believe that despite these restrictions, as long as we maintain those security measures, I think it is important that we get together this Christmas and celebrate this gift of the birth of Christ,” McGrattan said.


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Pastor Steinbach on Holiday Church Services


Pastor Steinbach on Holiday Church Services

McGrattan will conduct Midnight Mass at St. Mary’s Cathedral on Christmas Eve.

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He said more services were added this year due to restrictions limiting places of worship to a third of their capacity.

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Knox United Church made the call last week to keep services online only because of the increase in Omicron variants.

The Rev. Greg Glatz said isolation has been hard on people, but his Christmas message is about finding the light in the dark.

“I think if you are looking for light, find a connection. Reach out to make a connection somewhere. Maybe that connection is online, but just make a connection, ”Glatz said.


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Religious gatherings in Ontario face restrictions, but not strict limits


Religious gatherings in Ontario face restrictions, but not strict limits

“I think the light is in connection. We see our work as an aid to connect with God and with each other, to connect with his true self and to connect with creation. Any way we can make a connection in our lives is where we will find the light. “

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People who attend places of worship in Alberta are not required to show proof of vaccination to attend.

McGrattan said he is encouraged by the number of people he has seen reach out to those who need help.

“People realize that they are blessed and want to share that blessing with the less fortunate and that reality is always found at Christmas and despite the pandemic, I find it to be stronger than ever,” McGrattan said.

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