Coming to church during COVID-19

Celebrate Eucharist at our 10 AM in-person Sunday service.

St. Matthew’s received Diocesan approval to allow more people in church for Sunday services. This approval is based on church building size and established safety measures. The new limit continues to meet public health regulations.

As a result of this approval, pre-registration is not required to attend Sunday services.

Stay informed of developments through parish emails, our eblast emailing list as well as visiting our regularly updated website. Visit this page regularly.

We work continuously to implement all Diocesan and public health regulations and guidance. Remember there are factors outside our control which may change how we can worship during the pandemic.

How Sunday services are different at this time

• Seating is physically distanced; households continue to sit together
• Physical distancing is maintained while not in pews; we cannot touch one another in greeting and there is no physical contact during the exchange of the Peace
• Unless you are exempt, mask-wearing is mandatory while in line to enter the church and in the church. Please bring your own mask
• There is no choir and no congregational singing
• Children are very welcome but there is no play area, Sunday School nor Nursery and children need to stay in the pew with their family. Contact us to register your child for online Sunday School
• If you partake in Communion: only the host will be administered. You will receive the wafer in your hands. Move 2 metres away from the minister before removing your mask and consuming it. Then replace your mask before returning to your seat
• There is no Coffee Hour following the service

If you are coming to church:

• Read the COVID-19 screening questions at home Sunday morning. If any member of your household planning to come to church answers “yes” to any question, unfortunately no one in the household can come to church.
• Entrance to the church is by the baptistery door (i.e. the door by the font), on the east side. It is walker and wheelchair accessible. You may need to wait outside for a short period so be prepared for any kind of weather
• You will be asked if you answered “yes” to any of the screening questions before you can enter the church. If you do not answer “yes” you can enter the Church.
• When you enter the registrar will direct you to one of three tables. Take a clean pen and fill in your contact information (name of at least one family member attending, total number attending, phone number or email address) as required by the Government of Ontario. This information will only be kept for 30 days.
• You will need to sanitize your hands before entering and exiting the church.
• Copies of the bulletin, the collection plate, hearing assistance devices and prayer list are located at the back of the church.
• Signs, coloured tape and volunteers will help move you safely through the church before, during and after the service
• Some parts of the church building are not open or accessible

Online services will continue

• Online Sunday services continue be offered on Youtube and Facebook
• Online Morning Prayer services continue to be offered on Youtube and Facebook
• Sunday School continues to be offered online to St. Matthew’s families, friends, and anyone interested. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to register your child for online Sunday School

Further information

In This Together: The Anglican Diocese of Ottawa’s COVID-19 Plan – the Plan is based on scientific evidence and public health advice. We are currently in the amber stage.

Last updated: November 2, 2020