MASSES DURING COVID-19
As was previously communicated, when the 80% double dose vaccination target is achieved by the state of NSW, our churches will be able to open to our entire community from the following Monday. From that time, all religious services will only be limited by the 4 sqm rule.
As of Saturday 16th October 2021, the NSW government has advised that our state has now reached the 80% milestone of double vaccination. This means from Monday 18th October our churches will resume Mass services as per the usual schedule.
Our churches will be open to the entire community. There is no requirement from the government to check the vaccination status of people attending our churches.
Please note that we are no longer taking bookings to attend Masses at our parish churches. Those who wish to attend Mass are asked to come early as we will be welcoming people on a “First Come, First Seated Basis”.
For each Mass the maximum number of people that may attend will be based on the one person per 4 sqm rule which is as follows at each of our churches: St. Michael’s Church ~ 80 people & St. Patrick’s Church ~ 250 people.
Once we reach the capacity at each Mass, the church will close until the next Mass. Overflow from St. Michael's Church can be accommodated at St. Patrick's Church.
Our Sunday 10.00am Mass at St. Patrick’s church will continued to be LIVE streamed until further notice.
We ask parishioners and visitors to our church to observe the following:
*Use the hand sanitiser located in the foyer of the church.
* Sign in using QR code or manually registering your details.
*Face Mask to be worn at all times.
*Please use the cleaning materials available to wipe the areas you have been in contact with before leaving the church.
*Social distancing must be observed at all time.
*Do not congregate at the carpark before or after Mass.
The Diocese has also advised that the parish office and other facilities (meeting rooms) will continue to be subjected to people’s vaccination status at this stage. Due to this, it would be prudent for parishes to continue to delay face to-face meetings, and gatherings until the next stage of the reopening from 1 December 2021.
While we do respect the right of people to make a decision in conscience about the vaccination, we do also expect them to make an informed decision about the possible consequences of not being vaccinated for themselves and for other members in the community.
We thank you for your continued prayers, support, understanding and patience during this time. God Bless and stay safe!
