Fr. Mario’s Message to Parishioners

COVID-19

April 3rd, 2020

Hello my fellow parishioners! I want to give you an update of what is happening in Holy Name Parish since the COVID-19 pandemic began. We had the Bishop’s pastoral visit at Holy Name Parish from Friday, February 28to Sunday, March 1, which went very well. We visited the parish schools and Sarcee Nursing Home (Hospice). The Bishop and I then met with over 25 ministries. This was a time for the Bishop to meet our ministry heads and some of the parishioners who are involved in these ministries. Bishop McGrattan presided at all the Masses that weekend and met with parishioners after each Mass. On Tuesday, March 3, I went on holidays to Palm Springs, California and then drove to Yuma, Arizona for some golfing and prayer. I do this to prepare myself and be rested for the Lenten season and Holy Week. On March 12, as I was driving back to Palm Springs from Yuma for my return flight home, I received a text from Marlene that the Bishop’s Office had ordered me to self-isolate for 14 days upon my arrival, due to COVID-19. I thought “what is going on?” because when I left Calgary, I believe there were no infected people in Alberta with the coronavirus. When I arrived at the rectory, I watched the CTV 5PM Calgary Newsbroadcast. The first thing I saw was Dr. Henshaw, the Province Chief Health Officer, giving instruction that all Canadians who have travelled internationally, including the USA, had to self-isolate for 14 days. It was then that I understood the importance of self-isolation. I have completed my self-isolation and I am back at the parish. It has been difficult for a lot of people. Father John and I are saying Mass daily for you, the parishioners. I am accepting Mass Intentions now, at this time, until public masses resume in the future. I am praying for all of you and asking God to continue to pour his blessings upon you and your families.

The Church is open during the week, Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 4:00pm, for anyone wanting to come and pray before the Blessed Sacrament. Please register your visit on the sign-in sheet at the entrance to the church.

Sincerely from your Pastor,
Father Mario Basque
Holy Name Parish
Calgary, Alberta