Parish life

COVID-19 DIRECTIVES | Changes Effective 9 July 2021

July 9, 2021
COVID-19, Parish life, Bishop Brian Mascord

Following the extension to the lockdown for Greater Sydney to midnight of Friday 30 July 2021, the following changes are in force by the Public Health Order and amendments:

For parishes in the Macarthur, Wollongong and Shellharbour Local Government Areas, the following apply:

  • Churches are closed except for funerals:
    • A funeral may take place at which there are no more than 10 persons (not including the person conducting the service and any other person necessary for the conduct and preparation of the service). The 4 square metre rule still applies.
    • Facemasks are compulsory for mourners.
  • Livestream Masses can be held:
    • People directly involved in the service itself and the operation of the recording equipment may be present for the service.
    • Singing and chanting:
      • Two people may sing or chant during the live-streaming of the service, if:
        • There are no more than two other people in the room or designated area while they are singing.
        • People in the room, other than the singers, wear a face mask.
      • While singing, the singers:
        • Must be 3 metres away from anyone else at the place of public worship.
        • Are not required to wear a face mask.

For Parishes in the Southern Highlands, Kiama and the Shoalhaven, the following apply:

  • Churches remain open.
  • Maximum capacity of the church is calculated under the 4 square metre rule previously operating.
  • Facemasks are compulsory for congregants.
  • Up to five people may sing based on the following conditions:
    • The singers must wear a face mask.
    • Keep a distance of at least 1.5 metres from each other.
    • Keep a distance of 3 metres from the congregation.

Please continue to remain vigilant to any rapid developments to ensure the safety of the community. We will also do our best to advise of further changes as they arise. For those unable to attend Mass this weekend, including those in lockdown in the Macarthur, Illawarra and Shellharbour regions of our diocese, you can make an act of spiritual Communion while watching your parish livestream or the diocese’s national production of Mass for You at Home:

 

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