Today has seen the tightening of COVID-19-related restrictions that had been previously announced by the NSW Government last week.

Because the presence of COVID-19 in our community remains a threat to the health and safety of the Australian and NSW communities, the NSW Government has determined that the public health requirements demands the tightening of some restrictions in order to protect our community. While this tightening once again impacts on the life of our Church, and may be a disappointment to some, we need to be conscious of more than just our own needs and wants in the face of the current pandemic event. As Christians, we should have not hesitancy in embracing personal sacrifice for the sake of the health and safety of the Australian community.

The announced tightening of restrictions will again come at a cost, but we must remain vigilant and disciplined in observing our moral and legal obligation towards our brothers and sisters and ensure we do all that we must to restrict the further spread of COVID-19. We look forward to a future easing of restrictions, and the opportunity to gather more freely as a worshipping community to celebrate our liturgical life in all its fullness.

Changes Taking Effect 24 July

Amendments to the current Public Health Order have been gazetted to give effect to the NSW Government announcement. The limit on the number of persons who can be present in our church buildings is now calculated as the lesser of allowing 4 square metres per person within the building, or 100 person.

The limit applies to all Masses and other liturgical celebrations, as well as the availability of the church for private prayer.

For further details about how this is being attended to in each of the churches, please see the Regional Bulletin by clicking here.