Reopening of Our Churches and Update on the Sacrament of Confirmation

12 October 2021 / By

Reopening of Our Churches

The NSW Government had announced that restrictions would be eased when the State has reached seventy per cent of full vaccination. As of this writing, NSW has indeed achieved 70.3% of double vaccination. Therefore, our State will open as scheduled: Monday, 11th October.

However, please note that the Government has made these changes only for people who are fully vaccinated. Related to this issue, the Archdiocese of Sydney, through the Vicar General office, provides the following directions:

  1. Our churches are still closed and there will be no public masses until the 80% vaccination threshold is reached.
  2. Churches may be opened for weddings and funerals, and for services restricted to those who are fully vaccinated (e.g. for baptisms; or for a ‘private’ Mass with a priest who is fully vaccinated.)
  3. Whenever people gather in a place of worship, the number permitted is according to the 4 sqm rule, and masks must be worn.  Covid Check-in is also required via the Service NSW App or a written record.
  4. If all those present are vaccinated, the permitted number for weddings and funerals will be 100 (but subject to the 4 sqm rule).
  5. If some of those attending a funeral or wedding are not vaccinated, then the ceremony must be “small”: maximum 5 at a wedding and 10 at a funeral.

We sincerely hope that by Monday 25th October, our State will reach the 80% mark of double vaccination. By this time, our churches will open for Mass with one person per 4 sqm – without congregational singing (even though a small choir is allowed). By this stage – it is our hope and prayer – those who are not fully vaccinated will be allowed to participate too! Meanwhile, we encourage all our parishioners to get vaccinated.

Update on the Sacrament of Confirmation

With the “bright lights” from the NSW Government and the Archdiocese of Sydney, we want to announce the good news to you that the Sacrament of Confirmation will go ahead this year and will be held on November 15-16, at 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM. Please save the dates on your calendar!

For this purpose, we will give important information to all parents who are expecting their children to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation this year. This information will be sent by email no later than Friday, 15th October. So, please keep your eye on the Parish email next week.

That’s the information from our Parish. Stay excited and hopeful! Pax et Bonum.

X