Dear Parishioners,

During this past week Bishop O’Regan has written to all the parishes in the Sale Diocese regarding the Coronavirus Covid 19 and recommending some temporary measures to help people to be safe from this virus whilst attending Mass and other liturgies. In our parish we will be immediately applying these recommendations which have been made in collaboration with Catholic Health Australia and the National Office for Liturgy. They include: removing Holy Water from entrance to our worship spaces; at the Sign of Peace individuals should refrain from shaking hands; until further notice parishes should suspend distributing Holy Communion from the Chalice; the coronavirus is easily spread through saliva, so until further notice Holy Communion should be received on the hand and not on the tongue. Bishop O’Regan also wishes to assure all Catholics that should they contract the Covid-19 Coronavirus and become seriously ill, priests will continue to ensure they receive the sacraments and other appropriate pastoral care. Let us continue to pray for those who suffering because of this virus, for the doctors and nurses who care for them, and for those working to overcome this virus.

May God bless you in this season of Lent.

Fr Denis.