Church comeback plan
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What changes have been made in the ACT? From 11.59pm on Friday 8 May 2020, COVID-19 restrictions have eased further to support families and our economy. With these changes, we are now advising Canberrans that they can make some small, low-risk changes to support families and our economy. Key changes that will take effect across the ACT:
https://www.covid19.act.gov.au/news-articles/faqs-changes-to-restrictions-8-may-2020 |
A THREE-STAGE plan to reopen churches and allow Masses has been put to the Prime Minister and ACT Chief Minister by Archbishop Christopher Prowse.
People were missing practicing their faith, the Archbishop said, and allowing services would “generate tremendous hope and inner strength”.
The Archbishop proposed a phased return to services in letters to ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr and Prime Minister Scott Morrison late last month.
Anglican Bishop for Canberra and Goulburn Dr Mark Short and the president of the ACT Churches Council, Rev David Campbell, co-signed the letter to Mr Barr.
Archbishop Christopher also co-signed a letter to NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian from Sydney Archbishop Anthony Fisher and other NSW bishops with a detailed plan for reinstating church services.
Archbishop Christopher’s plan to the Prime Minister comprises:
1. Reopen churches for private prayer,
2. Allow outdoor Masses,
3. Allow Masses in churches.
Religious services would be subject to the following conditions:
• Maximum of 100 people,
• Physical distancing, no human contact and place markers for parishioners,
• Hygiene practices entering and leaving the church, and
• Advising elderly people or those with health concerns not to attend.
Archbishop Christopher praised the Prime Minister’s “exemplary leadership” on the pandemic which he said had resulted in Australia’s low infection rates.
“The community now talk of a recovery plan,” the Archbishop wrote.
“I would like to humbly include a phased return to church services.
“People are truly missing the practice of their faith … religious practices generate tremendous hope and inner strength in people.
“These qualities are needed more than ever in Australia where so many people feel fragile, lonely and isolated.”
In the letter to Mr Barr, the three church leaders said they would welcome auditing by government officials and argued the modest recommendations would mean a lot to church goers.
“The health and well-being of so many would be enhanced by these simple signs of real practical hope.”
The Prime Minister has said he could not see large church services being allowed but praying in a place of worship could be possible.
Don’t rush it!
Our Brother in New York, who has tragically lost four friends, and our family in the UK, who have seriously suffered two family victims – still no positive outcome, please not to rush it!
If we can carefully care for our treasured people, through the guidelines, then we have a chance to keep them alive.
We are worried about a secondary wave of infection based on “carriers”.
We believe that Australia is doing the best in the world at control.
Please don’t rush it!
It’s a tiny drop in the ocean of the whole of life.
We can handle this if we are sensible and not selfish.
Please control for as long as needed
Wanda
The church I normally attend commonly has a congregation of 10 or less at many weekday masses – perhaps apart from Fridays.
Will Masses during the week now be authorised on a first through the door basis?
I hope so
Luis
Well said
After the restrictions took effect it was tough without the Mass and Communion that had become part of my daily life, especially during Lent. How sad and disappointing to see the doors of my church locked while merchants could still do their selling across the street. Your internet masses just don’t cut it. I had no choice but to return to the scriptures and the lives of saints. Those long walks in the Canberra foothills taught me how to speak directly to Him. I am learning how to live my faith in the absence of priests. So does this mean that religious services aren’t essential after all? Not quite…yet. Keep up the pressure to reopen the doors. Continue to show leadership or risk losing the flock altogether.
Don’t be selfish, God is everywhere and we can pray at home, adjust to this time. The Church will loose the flock if we fall ill and die because we didn’t have enough precautions. Do you understand the serious of this pandemic?
Church comeback plan, Im seeing a wider picture here, maybe for the churches that have over a 100, whoopee !, Luis says “The church I normally attend commonly has a congregation of 10 or less at many weekday masses – perhaps apart from Fridays.” and many around here, where I am are selling off the empty buildings, formaly Catholic Churches. So im piping my head a little higher and seeing a wider Church Comeback Plan.
Respectfully priests seem far too busy. And those Layity that want to ‘preach’ are ignored of pecked into order maybe for fear of being a loose cannon.
Is there any room for ‘Jesus the second’, and … is anyone on ‘watch’ as to where the big induserially polished ship is heading for.
Guessing this won’t be published (?)
Outdoor Mass is great. Please ease restrictions. Give us the opportunity to receive the Holy Eucharist. We can cut down the choir and singing for the first phase. Just allow us to have our Churches back.