Lifting of Covid19 restrictions from 15 May 2020

On Sunday 10 May, Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced a three-step plan to ease social and economic restrictions imposed to
address the transmission of the COVID19 virus.

In respect to our own parish (and diocesan) context, we note the following which is possible from Friday 15 May 2020. Each of
these provisions is contingent on practising social distancing of 4 square metres per person and hand hygiene through the ready
use of sanitiser.

• Churches are able to be open for private prayer, with a limit of 10 people in the church at any one time.
• Religious gatherings, either formal or informal, are permissible inside churches for groups not more than 10 people. The
  names of each person at the gathering must be recorded.
• For Masses generally: the number is 10 plus the priest. The number 10 includes people such as servers, readers, musicians. It is
  important that we do not flaunt the regulation of only 10 people inside the church, such that it doubles in number because of all
  those regarded as ‘assistants.’
• For the Sacrament of Penance: may be celebrated according to the parish’s normal schedule. Physical distancing can be
  maintained by the use of a fixed grill or divider.
• For Weddings: the number is 10 plus the priest and the bride and groom. Note: there is a wedding planned for Sunday
  afternoon 17th May, 2.15-3.30pm.
• For Funerals: the number is for indoors, 20 plus the priest and the funeral director attendants; for outdoors, 30 plus the priest
  and the funeral director attendants.
• For Baptisms: the number is 10, including family and guests, plus the priest. Note: there is baptism booked for Sunday 24 May
  at 12 noon.

Given that it is possible for only a very small number of people within the parish to attend Sunday Mass, the suspension of
Sunday obligation remains for all the Faithful.
Through this period, it will be important to observe the following:
Holy Water stoops should remain empty. • Markers should indicate distancing between people during the Communion Procession. • The use of Hymn books and the passing of collection plates should be avoided. • Parish Common areas such as parish morning tea facilities should remain closed. Areas of the church that have been most frequented to be regularly cleaned.
It is difficult to know how long Step One of the Three Step process for recovery will last. As announced by the Federal Government, each Step will be evaluated in three to four-week intervals.

Step Two only allows an increase of attendants at Masses to 20 attendees.

Step Three increases the number to 100 attendees. Subsequently, it will be some time yet before our parishes can
return to their normal schedule. However, we should not delay in utilising the opportunity that is even now presented us in the
most engaged way possible, to re-build our communities of faith.

What we will be implementing here at St Agatha’s Parish

We will be celebrating Mass at the following times:
Mon – Fri – 9.30am
Saturday – 9.30am
Sunday – 10am

You will need to register for the Mass time you would like to attend, Monday to Saturday, so we can keep a record of the names of those who are attending and ensure we only have 10 people per Mass. Click here to register.

Please do not just turn up, as we need to adhere to these guidelines.
Markings will be on the floor to outline the recommended 1.5 metres and pews will be blocked off to follow social distancing
rules. Hand Sanitiser will be at the door of the entry of the Church. Please use going in and out.
As no collection bags are to be used; you can donate in the following ways:

1. Put your donations directly into the boxes in the foyer. There will be 2 boxes for:
   1) 1st Collection,
   2) 2nd Collection,
   3) Place other donations (eg: CWF, Mass Intentions, special Donations) in one box clearly stating what the donation is for.
2. Use our Tap n go machine
3. Donate online – go to the parish website: www.stagatha.org.au
4. Phone the Parish Office to join Planned Giving or to give Credit Card details

Sunday Masses will continue to be live-streamed and are then uploaded to be available online.