September 15th, 2020

Dear clergy and staff of the Archdiocese of Toronto,

I wish to express my profound gratitude to you and all those who have been working so diligently during this period of pandemic to ensure we can welcome the faithful back to a safe and healthy parish environment.

I also would like to acknowledge the thousands of volunteers across the archdiocese who have given so generously of their time and talent to assist with cleaning, hospitality and so many other activities over the last number of months. Further communication will be forthcoming regarding opportunities to acknowledge their contributions.

Due to the diligence of clergy, staff and volunteers, to this point, thankfully, we have not experienced any significant outbreak of Covid-19 cases traced back to our churches.

While it is tempting to feel that we can begin to relax some of the restrictions that have been in place, the period between now and Thanksgiving will be critical in our ability, both as a church and as a province, to reduce the potential transmission of Covid-19.

As the new school year begins and we move toward the traditional flu season, there has been an increase in the number of positive tests in the GTA. There has also been a significant number of cases traced back to a wedding reception and ceremony at a (non-Catholic) place of worship.

We do all of this, recognizing the uncomfortable nature of these measures, out of love for our neighbour. If we are successful in minimizing any potential spread in the near future, we will have a much greater opportunity to reduce some of the protocols currently in place.

We continue to dialogue on a regular basis with government officials and medical health experts to determine the best path forward balancing the desire to have the faithful return to church yet ensuring that anyone who does so is safely protected during this period of pandemic.

Thank you again for your tireless efforts. Be assured of my continued prayers and gratitude.

Sincerely Yours in Christ,

Thomas Cardinal Collins

Archbishop of Toronto