Updated Archdiocesan Protocols for COVID-19, as of 23 March 2020
Dear Friends in Christ,
Over these momentous days, a popular image used often by Pope Francis has remained in my heart.
“I see the Church as a field hospital after battle”.
Certainly, the Coronavirus (COVID-19) has now truly become a new battleground for the world and our Diocese too.
With these most recent government regulations, we are now, surely, a “field hospital” with this terrible COVID-19 seemingly enveloping us on a daily basis.
Let us rise up in faith to meet this new challenge!
Please find attached renewed Diocesan protocols reflecting the most recent government regulations. Let us respond to this tightening situation closely and maturely.
At the same time, as a “field hospital”, let us remain spiritually close in faith to each other in any appropriate and creative way possible. If our people cannot come to Church in a group, let the Church go to the people online, in prayer intercession, in telephone calls, in smiles and greetings, and so on, in any way possible.
Let our Churches remain open for private prayer and intercession for the world in crisis. Let us pray for the removal of this virus from us all.
Please, let us meet each other often online. The address is: www.catholicvoice.org.au/mass-online/. Daily Mass and devotions and all manner of spiritual help will be available to you. Help those who do not have internet access.
Praying with you through Mary’s intercession. I will contact you again as needed.
We pray for each other.
Archbishop Christopher Prowse
Catholic Archbishop of Canberra and Goulburn
Apostolic Administrator of Wagga Wagga
Thank you, Archbishop Christopher, look forward to updates
Come Divine Will bless Australia xox Thanks Jesus loves you too xox
The Press (CT 24 March) in three separate articles states that places of worship are closed. The Protocols state that “Churches will remain open for private prayer”. Which advice is correct. If the Churches are closed and only remain open for private prayer where will baptisms, funerals and weddings be held.
This also creates an opportunity to be closer to GOD. Why not use our normal Mass times for a personal communication with GOD instead? I suggest that in addition to our normal prayers we talk to God like we would talk to our father. And isn’t that what Jesus taught us to do…?