MESSAGE FROM THE PARISH PRIEST

One of the great themes of the Christian Tradition is “light”! At Christmas we joyfully recall the words of the prophet Isaiah: “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned” (Isaiah 9:2). In faith, we believe that we are those “people”. Thus the words of the Psalmist apply to each of us: “Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, Lord” (Psalm 89:15). Jesus is our light. He is the light: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12).

“Darkness” is always present. Perhaps these days it is more present? We must never forget, we are “children of the light”. We walk by “the light of Christ”!

There are a few matters I would like to bring to your attention at this time:

1. Bishop Geoffrey Robinson died on the evening of 29 December 2020. There is no doubt, he will go down in history as one of the truly great Catholic leaders of the Church in Australia. There will be a Memorial Mass for Geoff at St Patrick’s on Sunday 17 January at 9am. You are all welcome!
2. On 23 December we received the following message from Archbishop Anthony Fisher: “I know your Priests are doing their best to schedule additional Masses, and I am grateful for their generosity and creativity during this time. Even so, there may be many who will still not be able to attend, so I have again granted the faithful a dispensation from the obligation to attend Mass on Sunday and on Christmas Day; this dispensation will continue until the two square metre rule returns or limits are removed altogether“.
3. The State Government Covid Safety regulations have changed in the past days:
   1. Masks are mandatory in places of worship – please wear a mask when you come to St Patrick’s!
   2. The 4square metre rule applies to seating arrangements – please observe the signs re where you can and cannot sit.
   3. Because the 4square metre rule is back, we may reach our limit of 100 congregants at a given service. In this instance, we will have to close the doors. We apologise to you ahead of time!
   4. The QR Code is not compulsory for places of worship. We will i8ntroduce the QR Code when it is mandated by the Government.
   5. When you sign in you must give your first name, your second name and your contact number. We keep this information in the church’s vault for 28 days before we destroy it.
4. Please observe all the normal Covid Safety practices: sanitize your hands, keep 1.5 metres between you and the next person, wear a mask, do not mingle unnecessarily, any papers or other materials you have touched should be taken with you. There will be no congregational singing. Think of the common good!

Fr Michael Whelan SM
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St Patrick’s Covid Safety Plan here