Houses of worship are part of phase three of the reopen Saskatchewan Plan. (File Photo/paNOW Staff)

By Michael Joel-Hansen

Reopen Saskatchewan

Local faith leaders pleased with inclusion in reopening plan

May 22, 2020 | 3:30 PM

Prince Albert faith leaders are responding to the province including them in the Re-Open Saskatchewan plan.

Houses of worship will be part of phase three and a target date is set for June 8. Last week local leaders expressed concerns about being left out of the process.

Bishop Albert Thévenot of the Roman Catholic Diocese of P.A. said it is good the faith based community is being brought into the fold.

“I think that’s a good step in the right direction,” he said.

Thévenot recently joined with other faith leaders in the province expressing concerns about places of worship being left out of the official reopen plans. The Bishop said the premier’s office has been in touch with the provincial group.

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He explained there are still some details to be worked out, specifically in regards to how many people should be permitted in a building if they can ensure appropriate distancing and cleaning.

“Our buildings are very different than other places, it’s an open place usually and therefore could we perhaps have more than 10, 15 people,” he said.

Thévenot said his office is preparing to put out a letter to parishes outlining the precautions they should be prepared to take, which includes strict cleaning protocols.

The Bishop added he now feels the faith-based community is part of the process. He explained it is important because they want to be part of the process and listen to the province’s recommendations.

“We’re ready to respect what they’re going to put out,” he said.

John Fyters, senior pastor with Heart of Seniors Gathering said he was also happy to hear the announcement from the government and acknowledged the importance of them being acknowledged. He said he hopes the province takes into account the diversity of institutions.

“Here in P.A we have churches of like us, of 35, you also have churches like Crossroads and Sacred Heart Cathedral,” he said.

When they resume in person services Fryters said his church will be giving parishioners masks and gloves to wear while maintaining proper distancing. He explained this is vital due to the congregation being older.

“We are dealing with the elderly and the advanced elderly which is a target for the virus,” he said.

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MichaelJoel.Hansen@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @mjhskcdn