Dear Bishops, Priests and Deacons,

Further to the NSW Government’s latest Public Health directives, there are a few items to note:

Funerals

As of this Sunday, 11 July, funerals are limited to 10 (ten) people in total – as far as we know, this includes the Priest or Deacon celebrant.

Masses

From 5pm today, 9 July, at Masses which are livestreamed, only 2 (two) singers are permitted and they must be well separated – at least 3 metres – from other people and in a designated area in the church.  Only two other people (e.g. camera operator and organist) are permitted to be in the same area while singing in occurring.

At such livestreamed Masses, Lay Ministers must be kept to a minimum (e.g. one reader and one or two servers), and be well spaced out on the sanctuary.  There should be no congregation apart from those necessary for the celebration of the Mass.

Visitations

While genuine pastoral visitation is permitted for serious reasons, we are all required otherwise to remain at home. I note that the new restrictions that come into force from 5pm today also limit travel to within your Local Government Area or within 10kms of your home.

Likewise, we are not permitted to entertain visitors in our places of residence.

Outdoor gatherings are limited to 2 (two) people, excluding members of the same household.

We can only hope that these strict conditions will lead to an early end to the lockdown.

Thank you for all the initiatives in so many parishes which are enabling us to continue to connect with our people.

With prayers and best wishes

Very Rev Dr Gerald Gleeson
Vicar General