Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Re: COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Update
NSW Health has revised the COVID-19 guidelines for all places of worship.
1) Places of Worship and Religious Services
Effective from midnight tonight – 2 January 2021, the maximum number of people who can attend
religious gatherings will be limited to 1 person per 4 square metres up to a maximum of 100 people.
Weddings and funerals will also be limited to 1 person per 4 square metres up to a maximum of 100
people.
2) Face masks
Face masks will also be made mandatory at places of worship from midnight tonight.
From Monday, 4 January 2021, non-compliance with wearing face masks will attract a $200 on-the-
spot-fine for individuals.
Children under 12 are exempt but are encouraged to wear masks where practicable.
With my continued prayers during these times,
Very Rev Peter G. Williams
Vicar General & Moderator of the Curia
Latest updates – Letter From Father Peter Williams
Pastoral letter to the people of Parramatta
during the corona virus crisis and Christmas 2020
Pastoral letter 22.12.2020
Easing of COVID-19 Restrictions
NSW Health has revised the COVID-19 guidelines for places of worship effective from 7 December 2020.
The maximum number of people at places of worship and religious services will only be limited by the 2 square metre rule. If a place of public worship has separate buildings, the maximum number of people in each separate building is subject to the 2 square metre rule. If there are separate buildings,
each building should have a COVID-19 Safety Plan in place.
A Word of Encouragement to the Catholic People of Australia
From the Bishops of Australia, 15 May 2020
Attached is a letter from Bishop Vincent: Pastoral letter to the clergy, religious and people of Parramatta during the coronavirus crisis 25.03.2020
25th March – Update
Dear Fathers, Deacons and Parish Staff,
Prime Minister Scott Morrison last night said that churches, religious gatherings, and places of worship are to close by midday today, 23 March 2020.
These new rules must be adhered to and there are no exceptions to these rules. In an emergency, clergy are encouraged to assess the individual matter and act prudently. Further instructions for clergy will be issued via an Ad Clerum later today.
As the Diocese of Parramatta has previously indicated, fines may be enforced against organisations and parishes that do not enact these new rules.
Public Masses (both indoor and outdoor), baptisms, funerals and weddings must now cease. Also affected are church buildings, adoration chapels and other church buildings used for prayer and religious services.
I understand this new directive will be deeply troubling and upsetting to many Catholics. However, we are in a pandemic and we are actively working with the relevant authorities to ensure the health and safety of our people.
As a reminder, Catholics from the Diocese of Parramatta are from 20 March 2020 dispensed from their Sunday Mass obligation until further notice (Canon 1248 §2 and Catechism 2181.)
Yours in Christ,
Most Reverend Vincent Long Van Nguyen OFM Conv
Bishop of Parramatta
24th March: Covid -19 Update
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
Re: COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Update
Following from Bishop Vincent’s advice to clergy and parishes yesterday it will be necessary to revisit some of the provisions for liturgical celebrations that were outlined in previous communications.
As you are aware the Prime Minister announced on Sunday evening (22 March 2020) certain prohibitions on activities that would result in people gathering together. In that list was mentioned “places of worship” that were to be closed by midday 23 March 2020. The proscription is around “religious gatherings.”
In the Diocese of Parramatta last weekend, some parishes elected to conduct celebrations of the Eucharist with a few people inside and the bulk of people outside. That gesture was appreciated by many of the faithful.
However, Stage 1 (as announced on Sunday evening by the Prime Minister) which has now been implemented applies to “religious gatherings” of any sort so that means that what was permitted last Sunday is no longer possible.
Masses and church buildings
Bishop Vincent has issued instructions to parishes, based on the directive of the government, that public Masses (both indoor and outdoor) must now cease. Also affected by this closure are church buildings, adoration chapels and other church buildings used for prayer and religious services.
Funerals
Funerals are still permitted with a small number of attendees but if it takes place in a church building the social distancing rules must be observed. In the circumstances, consideration for a simple grave side service or using the crematorium chapel with a small number of mourners (very immediate family) is recommended. A memorial Mass when the current crisis is declared over can be held.
Weddings
Marriages are permitted to take place and like funerals the instruction is that only a very small number of people may gather and again the social distancing rules are to be observed.
Baptism
It is suggested that baptism of infants not take place at this time unless the baptism is in case of emergency.
Penance
Given that the church cannot be used it places an extraordinary burden on priests as to how to respond to a request for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. It is suggested that each priest use his own discretion as to how to handle such requests, provided social distancing rules are to be observed.
Anointing of Sick
Individual request for the Sacrament of the Sick should be attended to in the manner described in the previous instructions issued.
Holy Week
A decree was issued from the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments concerning the liturgical celebrations during Holy Week this year. Parishes have been asked to make suitable preparations these liturgies to be celebrated with the necessary restraints in place. It is anticipated that all the Holy Week liturgies will be “live streamed” from the Cathedral with Bishop Vincent.
With prayers for all those suffering at this time and imploring the intercession of Our Lady of Lourdes,
Very Rev Peter G. Williams
Vicar General & Moderator of the Curia