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12 January 2022
Masses at St Gertrude’s Smithfield
Due to COVID-19 concerns, all Masses and sacraments have been suspended at St Gertrude’s Smithfield until the 6pm Vigil Mass on Saturday 15 January.
23 December 2021
New restrictions ahead of Christmas
NSW Health has announced a tightening of COVID-19 restrictions, effective from 24 December.
Anyone entering a church over the age of 12 will now be required to wear a face mask, at least until 27 January.
15 December 2021
Further easing of COVID restrictions
NSW Health has announced a further easing of restrictions on churches, effective from today.
There will no longer be restrictions placed on attendance at Mass.
Face masks are no longer mandatory.
08 November 2021
Further easing of COVID restrictions
NSW Health has announced a further easing of restrictions on churches, effective from today.
People attending churches will need to observe a two square metre rule, with the exception of people from the same household.
Masks are still mandatory.
17 October 2021
Churches re-open with attendance limits
Churches across the Archdiocese of Sydney will reopen on Monday 18 October.
This comes after NSW has passed the 80 percent target of its residents having had two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine.
People attending churches will need to observe a four square metre rule, with the exception of people from the same household.
27 September 2021
NSW Government announces easing of COVID restrictions
The NSW government has announced a target for the easing of restrictions on churches for all of Greater Sydney, including the Blue Mountains and Wollongong regions.
Churches will be closed to the public until the Monday after NSW passes the 80 percent target of residents having had two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.
People attending churches will need to observe a four square metre rule, with the exception of people from the same household.
Funerals may proceed at this time, with a maximum of ten members of the congregation, following a four square metre rule.
9 September 2021
NSW Government announces targets for easing of COVID-19 restrictions
The NSW government has announced a target for the easing of restrictions on churches for all of Greater Sydney, including the Blue Mountains and Wollongong regions.
Churches will be closed to the public until the Monday after NSW passes the 70 percent target of residents having had two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Funerals may proceed at this time, with a maximum of ten members of the congregation, following a four square metre rule.
20 August 2021
Further extension of COVID19 restrictions for Greater Sydney
The NSW government has announced a further extension of COVID-19 restrictions for all of Greater Sydney, including the Blue Mountains and Wollongong regions.
Churches will be closed to the public until at least Thursday 30 September 2021.
Funerals may proceed at this time, with a maximum of ten members of the congregation, following a four square metre rule.
27 July 2021
Further extension of COVID19 restrictions for Greater Sydney
The NSW government has announced a further extension of COVID-19 restrictions for all of Greater Sydney, including the Central Coast and Wollongong and Shellharbour regions.
Churches will be closed to the public until at least midnight on Friday 27 August 2021.
Funerals may proceed at this time, with a maximum of ten members of the congregation, following a four square metre rule.
14 July 2021
Extension of COVID19 restrictions for Greater Sydney
The NSW government has announced a further extension of COVID-19 restrictions for all of Greater Sydney, including the Central Coast and Wollongong and Shellharbour regions.
Churches will be closed to the public until at least midnight on Friday 30 July 2021.
Funerals may proceed at this time, with a maximum of ten members of the congregation, following a four square metre rule.
9 July 2021
Limits on funeral attendance
The NSW Government has announced that from 12 July 2021, a limit of ten people are permitted to attend funerals, to help contain the spread of COVID-19.
7 July 2021
Extended of COVID 19 restrictions for Greater Sydney
The NSW government has announced a further extension of COVID 19 restrictions for all of Greater Sydney, including the Central Coast and Wollongong and Shellharbour regions.
Churches will be closed to the public until at least midnight on Friday 16 July 2021.
Funerals may proceed at this time, with a maximum of 100 people in attendance and subject to a four square metre rule.
26 June 2021
New COVID 19 restrictions for Greater Sydney
The NSW government has announced a further tightening of COVID 19 restrictions for all of Greater Sydney, including the Central Coast, Wollongong and Shellharbour regions.
Churches will be closed to the public from 6pm on Saturday 26 June 2021 until at least midnight on Friday 9 July 2021.
Funerals may proceed at this time, with a maximum of 100 people in attendance and subject to a four square metre rule.
25 June 2021
New COVID-19 restrictions on churches
The NSW Government has announced tightened restrictions for the Local Government Areas of City of Sydney, Randwick, Woollahra and Waverley which impact directly on churches in these areas.
Churches in these four local government areas will be closed to the public until at least 3 July 2021. Exceptions apply in the case of weddings held on 26 July and funerals may proceed, providing no more than 100 people attend. The NSW Government has directed that residentsor people who usually work or study in these areas must not attend a church in another area which is unaffected by this decision.
Here is a list of the parishes which will be closed to the public at this time:
City of Sydney Council
- St Mary’s Cathedral (& its station church Woolloomoolloo) & Darlinghurst
- Church Hill
- Forest Lodge, Broadway, Pyrmont
- Camperdown
- Surry Hills
- Erskineville
- Catholic Parishes of City South (Redfern/ Waterloo/ Rosebery)
- Paddington (Edgecliff in Woollahra LGA below)
- Elizabeth Bay
Woollahra Council
- Edgecliff
- Woollahra
- Rose Bay (Dover Heights in Waverley LGA below)
- Watsons Bay
Waverley Council
- Dover Heights
- Bondi Road & Bondi Beach
- Waverley
Randwick Council
- Clovelly
- Coogee
- Randwick & Randwick North
- Maroubra
- Maroubra Bay Beach
- Malabar & Matraville
- Pagewood
- Kensington
For clarity, the follow parishes are close to the boundary of the affected LGAs but are excluded from the public health orders:
Bayside Council (excluded)
- Daceyville
- Mascot
Inner West Council (excluded)
- Annandale & Stanmore
- Enmore & Tempe
- Newtown
23 June 2021
New COVID-19 restrictions on churches
The NSW Government has announced new restrictions for Greater Sydney, the Central Coast, the Blue Mountains, Wollongong and Shellharbour regions, effective from 4pm on Wednesday 23 June 2021.
- Churches must adhere to a four square metre rule;
- Face masks are now compulsory at all churches;
- Choirs are permitted, but congregational singing is not permitted.
These restrictions will be reviewed on or before Wednesday 30 June 2021
22 June 2021
Masks mandatory in seven Sydney council areas
The NSW Government has announced new rules, making face masks mandatory when visiting churches in the following local government areas, all within the Archdiocese of Sydney:
- Bayside;
- Canada Bay;
- Inner West;
- Randwick;
- City of Sydney;
- Waverley; and
- Woollahra.
Face masks are currently not mandatory at outdoor areas, or in local government areas outside of the list above.
These rules apply from 4pm on Sunday 20 June to 12.01am on Thursday 24 June 2021 (which may be extended depending on the circumstances).
17 May 2021
Further easing of COVID-19 restrictions on churches
The NSW Government has announced masks are no longer necessary in houses of worship, including churches.
Congregational singing is also now permitted
Congregations must follow a two square metre rule.
16 May 2021
Come Holy Spirit! Lead Us back to Mass for the Church’s Birthday!
Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP is inviting Catholics to come back to Mass and also invite others to do so on the Feast of Pentecost after a year of COVID-19 restrictions.
10 May 2021
Restrictions at churches extended
The NSW Government has announced an extension of COVID-19 restrictions which will apply to churches in the Greater Sydney region (including Wollongong, Central Coast and Blue Mountains).
These measures will remain in place until at least 12:01am on Monday 17 May 2021 when they will be reviewed again.
Masks are compulsory in churches and congregational singing is not permitted at this time.
6 May 2021
Restrictions at churches this weekend
The NSW Government has announced a temporary tightening of COVID-19 restrictions which will apply to churches in the Greater Sydney region (including Wollongong, Central Coast and Blue Mountains)
These measures will be effective from midday on 6 May 2021 until 12:01am Monday 10 May and are aimed at containing the spread of COVID-19.
Masks will be compulsory at public indoor venues including churches.
Congregational singing will not be allowed at churches at this time.
25 March 2021
Further easing of COVID-19 restrictions on churches
The NSW Government has announced a further easing of COVID-19 restrictions on churches, some of which are effective from Saturday 27 March.
Congregational singing will be allowed again from Saturday 27 March, providing churches observe a two square metre rule.
From Monday 29 March, unlimited numbers of people can attend funerals and weddings, providing a two square metre rule is observed.
12 February 2021
Further easing of COVID-19 restrictions on churches
The NSW Government has announced another easing of COVID-19 restrictions on churches, effective from Friday 12 February.
Places of worship will be allowed to have one person per two-square-metres with no maximum cap.
Masks are no longer compulsory but are still strongly encouraged.
Up to 300 people can attend funerals and weddings, providing a two square metre rule is observed.
27 January 2021
Easing of COVID-19 restrictions on churches
The NSW Government has announced a further easing of COVID-19 restrictions on churches, effective from Friday 29 January.
Places of worship will be allowed to have one person per four-square-metres with no maximum cap.
Masks are still compulsory and NSW Health can impose a $200 fine on each individual failing to abide by this rule.
Up to 300 people can attend funerals and weddings, providing a four square metre rule is observed.
3 January 2021
Updated rules from NSW Health for churches
Everyone entering a church must wear a face mask under new rules introduced on 3 January 2021.
Children under the age of 12 years are exempt from this rule, but are encouraged to wear a face mask where practicable.
Under new rules, churches are only allowed a maximum of 100 people at one time, following a four square metre rule.
Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP has therefore issued a dispensation to the faithful 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.
13 December 2020
Come Home to Mass! Pastoral Letter to the Clergy and Faithful
Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP has made Mass attendance obligatory again after a significant easing in COVID19 restrictions.
2 December 2020
Updated NSW Health advice- Church services
The NSW Government has announced a further easing of restrictions on churches to be introduced on Monday 7 December 2020.
Under the changes, churches will be allowed unlimited numbers at religious services, providing a two square metre rule is observed.
22 October 2020
Updated NSW Health advice- Church services
The NSW Government has announced a further easing of restrictions on churches, to be introduced on Friday 23 October 2020.
Under the changes, churches will be allowed up to 300 people at Masses, providing a four square metre rule is observed.
24 July 2020
Updated NSW Health advice- Church services
Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Mount Pritchard and St Brendan’s in Bankstown have closed this weekend after NSW Health identified four additional cases associated with a series of funeral gatherings and a church service attended by a woman in her 40s from the Fairfield area.
Attendees of the following funeral and other church services are now urged to immediately self-isolate, get tested for COVID-19 regardless of any symptoms, and continue to self-isolate for 14 days even if the test is negative. If symptoms develop get tested again.
Testing is available at Fairfield Hospital and Fisher Street carpark, Cabramatta drive-through clinic.
The services attended were:
- 16 July St Brendan’s Catholic Church Bankstown for one hour from 6.30pm
- 17 July Ausia Funeral Services at Fairfield East between 1pm and 8pm
- 18 July Funeral service at St Brendan’s Catholic Church Bankstown for one hour from 10am
- 18 July Burial service at St John of God Lawn at Rookwood between 11.30-1pm
- 19 July Our Lady of Mt Carmel at Mt Pritchard for one hour from 7.30am
2 July 2020
Seventh Pastoral Letter on COVID-19
Archbishop Anthony Fisher has announced that Sunday Masses should now be resumed in all churches across the Archdiocese of Sydney. Read more.
29 May 2020
New Pastoral Letter on COVID-19
Archbishop Anthony Fisher has announced churches can now allow congregations of up to 50 people. Read more.
14 May 2020
A Word of Encouragement from the Bishops of Australia
Following their biannual Plenary meeting, the Catholic Bishops of Australia have written to the faithful as we look forward to the end of the pandemic when we will be able to resume fully the Church’s worship and mission. Read the letter here.
13 May 2020
Fifth Pastoral Letter on COVID-19
After a long Lent in which we have experienced severe restrictions upon our worship, as well as many other parts of ordinary life, there is at last Easter light at the end of the tunnel. Read more.
6 April 2020
Good Friday Collection for the Holy Land
This parish collection will be postponed until later this year. The Development and Fundraising Office will contact parishes to inform them of a new date for this appeal.
1 April 2020
Caritas Australia Project Compassion Appeal
Online donations are encouraged this year rather than handing in Project Compassion boxes directly to parishes. Read here on how you can donate.
30 March 2020
New Pastoral Letter on COVID-19
Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP has responded to new government restrictions on gatherings in his third Pastoral Letter. Read more.
27 March 2020
Scholarship at the Cathedral- Thursday 2 April
The lecture, “Mathematics and Ethics: The Two Sciences with Demonstrable Truths” with Professor James Franklin will now be pre-recorded rather than held at St Mary’s Cathedral Chapter Hall as originally planned. The lecture will be made available via Scholarship at the Cathedral website and Facebook page next week.
24 March 2020
Catholic Special Religious Education
Scripture classes will be put on hold for the remainder of Term 1. Catholic Special Religious Education Providers in NSW are exploring other available options to provide online learning resources, in consultation with the Department of Education. Read more.
23 March 2020
World Prayer in response to COVID-19
Pope Francis has called on Christians around the world to join him in praying the Lord’s Prayer at midday this Wednesday 25 March. Read more.
20 March 2020
Funerals
Catholic Cemeteries and Crematoria has taken new precautions to reduce the risk of infection in chapels and other facilities. Read more
Day of the Unborn Child
This event will no longer be held on Sunday 29 March. A Mass for the Unborn Child is scheduled for 9 September. Consult Life Family & Outreach Office for updates.
Men’s Breakfast: The Courageous Manhood of St Joseph
This event, scheduled for Saturday 28 March, has been postponed until later in the year. The organisers will contact those who registered once a new date is scheduled.
17 March 2020
24 Hours for the Lord
The Archdiocese of Sydney will be participating in this global initiative, helping Catholics spiritually prepare for Easter through Reconciliation and Eucharistic Adoration. Read more about arrangements in individual parishes
Relics Tour of Saint Therese of Lisieux and Saints Louis and Zelie Martin
The visit of the relics to the parishes of St Charles Borromeo in Ryde, St Kevin’s in Eastwood and St Therese’s in Denistone will go ahead today. Attendance will be limited to 500 people as the Archdiocese follows advice from health authorities.
The visit to All Saints parish in Liverpool has been cancelled tomorrow. Read more
16 March 2020
St Patrick’s Day Mass
The St Patrick’s Day Mass will go ahead as scheduled tomorrow at 10:30am at St Mary’s Cathedral and will be celebrated by Bishop Terry Brady. Attendance at the Mass will be limited to 500 people as the Archdiocese follows advice from health authorities. If you’re unable to attend the Mass in person, you can watch it via this link: https://www.stmaryscathedral.org.au/