St. Josaphat

Pentecost Services

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Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

When Jesus ascended into heaven, the disciples returned to Jerusalem from Mount Olivet. They gathered in the upper room, where they were staying, and “with one accord devoted themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the Mother of Jesus, and with His brethren” (Acts 1:14). In total, “the company of persons was in all about a hundred and twenty” (Acts 1:15).

This year, for the feast of Pentecost, in the company of fifty persons, we will also gather in The Upper Room and devote ourselves to prayer, together with the Apostles and Mary, the Mother of Jesus and the Mother of the Church.

With the permission of Bishop David and in accordance with Eparchial Directives, this upcoming Pentecost Sunday, May 31, 2020, Divine Services at St. Josaphat Cathedral will be open to a maximum of 50 people present at each service (Saturday, 500 pm; Sunday, 9:30 am and 11:00 am). To view the full text of Stage 1 Directives for the Re-Opening of Churches, please visit the parish or eparchial website.

Who May Attend?

  • Those who are in good health and at low risk.
  • Those who are on the confirmed list for each Divine Liturgy.
  • Those who have passed the health questionnaire.
  • A full self-assessment is available on myhealth.alberta.ca

Who Should Stay at Home?

  • Those who have recently travelled outside of Canada.
  • Anyone feeling sick (cough, shortness of breath, runny nose, fever, infections, cold or flu symptoms, experiencing extreme fatigue).
  • Anyone in close contact with someone infected with Covid-19.
  • Anyone in close contact with someone under quarantine.
  • Older persons and those persons with pre-existing medical conditions (high blood pressure, heart disease, cancer or diabetes).

How do I sign-up?

  • Contact the parish office (780- 422-3181) or send an email to josaphat@telus.net to have your name placed on the list. Specify which Divine Liturgy you would like to attend.
  • If you will need to use the elevator, please note this in your request.
  • Those with celiac disease may request Holy Communion from a separate chalice.
  • Wait for a confirmation phone call or email message.

What if the list is full?

  • Sign-up for the following Sunday.
  • Request to attend a different Liturgy time.
  • Sign-up for a weekday Divine Liturgy.

What Are the Guidelines for Attending?

  • You need to be on the confirmed list. No walk-ins.
  • Only one entrance will be open – enter through the main doors on the west side.
  • The north entrance will be available only to those who need to use the elevator.
  • Please arrive on time. The entrance will be closed 15 minutes into the service.
  • A greeter will confirm that your name is on the list; answer the questionnaire.
  • Sanitize hands at the entrance or use soap and water in the washrooms.
  • Remember to bring your own prayer book to church. All prayer books and hymnals have been temporarily removed.
  • Maintain physical distancing (6 feet or 2 metres)
  • Members of the same household may sit together.
  • Light candles if you wish; do not touch or kiss icons at this time.
  • No congregational singing at this time; the designated cantor will sing the responses.
  • Infants and children must remain with parents at all times.
  • Donations may be placed in a basket by the sacristy doors.
  • Exit one pew at a time, through the north door (elevator).
  • No social gathering before or after church services.

Let us continue to be joyful and thankful in all things, as St. Paul reminds us: “Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:16).

Sincerely,

Yours in Christ Jesus,

Fr. Peter Babej – Cathedral Parish Pastor

Rick Doblanko – Pastoral Council Chair