Ottawa-Cornwall Diocese changes mind, WC Catholic churches close

WEST CARLETON – The Archdiocese of Ottawa-Cornwall, reacting to a rapidly changing world, has changed its decision and all Catholic churches in West Carleton are closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic effectively immediately.

“Following the orders of Dr. Paul Roumeliotis, Medical Officer of Health for the Eastern Ontario Health Unit concerning closure of places of worship, I ask that effective immediately all churches in the Alexandria-Cornwall and Ottawa dioceses be closed—even for private prayer—until further notice,” Archbishop of Ottawa, Bishop of Alexandria-Cornwall, Terrence Prendergast, S.J. released in a statement.

Just Saturday (March 21) Michael’s and St. Gabriel’s Catholic church pastor Father John Orban released limited times the churches would be open for private prayer. The new directive changes that and now all Catholic churches in West Carleton have been ordered to close.

“This will mean that both St. Gabriel and St. Michael parish churches will be closed to the public until further notice,” Orban released in a statement.

Below is a list of some online resources to help you in this time of isolation:

• www.dailytvmass.com
• www.saltandlifetv.org
• www.formed.org
• www.catholic.org
• www.catholicity.com 
• www.ewtn.com

“Please feel free to contact me at any time if you need any help or just want to talk,” Orban said. “The sacrament of Reconciliation and the Sacrament of the Sick are still available in a limited capacity, please contact me directly for details.”