You would be aware that an announcement has been made this morning around the removal of both mask wearing and QR codes effective 12:01am 15th April 2022.

As this Holy Week will see an increase in numbers of people in our churches, I strongly recommend that people are encouraged to continue wearing masks. It is my expectation that priests and anyone carrying out a public role continue to do so. We will continue to review this situation.

As of 12:01am Saturday^, March 12 2022 the following changes include:
 

1. Churches may return to full capacity.

2. Places of Worship are included in the list of Defined Public Activities, therefore QR codes or sign-ins ARE STILL REQUIRED.

3. Masks are still mandatory.

If you require further information you can call the SA COVID-19 Information Line on 1800 253 787 between the hours of 9am to 5pm 7 days per week or go to the SA Health website at www.sahealth.sa.gov.au or www.sa.gov.au/covid-19

I wish to communicate the following information to you.

1.         Social Distancing

The current direction that applies to Places of Worship is 3 persons per 4 sqm. We will provide further information if this changes.

2.         Ash Wednesday Distribution of Ashes

2.1 Ashes ARE NOT to be directly applied to the forehead.

2.2 In place of ashes being applied:

a)  The Priest says the prayer for blessing the ashes. He sprinkles the ashes with holy water, without saying anything. Then he addresses all those present and only once says the formula as it appears in the Roman Missal, applying it to all in general: “Repent, and believe in the Gospel”, or “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return”.

A number of queries are being received by Archbishop’s office so I am writing to re-iterate some guidelines. 

It is my expectation that by now every priest is vaccinated. 

It is important to limit movement in the Church and maintain good hygiene practices. 

This must be achieved by: 

1. Wearing a mask at all times, especially by those distributing Communion, including the Priest 
2. Regular sanitization of hands 
3. Continued omission of the Offertory Procession and Collections 
4. Strictly no Communion on the tongue 
5. Maintaining recommended social distancing e.g. within the Church and whilst going to Communion 
6. No communal gathering after Mass 
7. Maintaining QR Code compliance or collection of names and phone numbers of those attending.

Please note that there has been no change to church capacity limits.

The changes which came into effect at 12:01am on 27^th December 2021 largely apply to hospitality/licensed venues. Therefore:

1. 3 person per 4 sqm still applies (refer Emergency Management (Activities- Associated Direction No 17) (COVID 19) Direction 2021, Section 4d and Quick Reference table)
   Emergency-Management-Activities-Associated-Direction-No-17COVID-19-Direction-26122021.pdf

2. A change in wording means that a wedding and funeral (previously viewed as a private activity) is taken to mean a defined public activity (in our circumstance a ceremony: religious/faith based ceremony) and the 3 person per 4 sqm applies (refer Public Activities Chart Requirements). It is important to note that this may still affect those who have a reception/wake following in a licensed/hospitality venue.
   Public-Activities-Table-27-December-2021.pdf (covid-19.sa.gov.au)

The Emergency Management (Activities) (COVID-19) Direction put in place to manage the COVID-19 pandemic sets out the requirements for places of worship. These requirements aim to help keep South Australia safe from COVID-19.

I am writing to remind our communities that we must remain steadfast in continuing to do the good work of keeping South Australia safe, with the borders about to open up.  

As we move into this next phase it has been indicated there will be no further State lockdowns however, testing and quarantine for those infected/casual and close contacts will remain in place. 

The length of time for quarantine is dependent on vaccination status. A General Public matrix has been developed (see attached). In addition to this SA Health will conduct detailed risk assessments for each situation and a tailored approach will be developed for each person/site whether infected or in close proximity to someone infected.

New COVID-19 restrictions will come into effect in South Australia at 12.01am Thursday August 5 2021.

The restrictions for places of worship are:

1. Places of Worship are restricted to 1 person per 2 square metres.
2. The wearing of masks is still mandatory.
3. Funeral and weddings continue to be restricted to 50 people provided density requirements are met.
4. Choirs and congregational singing: are not permitted. A single singer is permitted.

The following COVID-19 restrictions will come into effect at 12.01am Wednesday, 28th July 2021 in South Australia. These restrictions are expected to be in place for seven days.
 
They are:

1. Places of Worship are restricted to 1 person per 4 square metres.
2. The wearing of masks is mandatory for indoors places. (Celebrants exempt)
3. Funeral and weddings are restricted to 50 people provided density requirements are met.
4. Wearing of masks in parish offices is strongly recommended.
5. Choirs and Congregational Singing are not permitted. A single singer is permitted.
6. Recommendation from Archdiocesan Office that tea/coffee after Mass be suspended for the following 7 days.

Further to this we ask that you please contact our office if there needs to be a change of plan in relation to any upcoming Confirmation ceremony. We suggest where possible they go ahead within the current restrictions.

If you would like further assistance please contact Deb Nation and her team at Catholic Health Safety and Welfare on 08 8215 6850.

Further to the advice provided this morning regarding the State-wide lock down, we have now received the list of Essential Workers issued by SAPOL in relation to the current restrictions. The list of essential (authorised) workers includes Faith Leaders broadcasting services or ceremonies at Places of Worship. Any live streaming of services would need to be done without assistance from other people.

At present the Leaders of Christian Churches of South Australia (LoCCSA) is seeking further clarification if Faith Leaders can have assistance from a camera operator or sound person. An update will be provided once we have further information.

With the Premier announcing a hard lock down from 6pm tonight (July 20), churches will be closed as of 6pm and there will be no live streaming permitted due to the restriction on all work except essential services.

This means parishes must also close their offices and no ceremonies are to take place including any Masses, weddings, funerals and confirmations until further notice.

It is envisaged, at this stage, that the lock down will be for a period of 7 days.

If you would like further assistance please contact Deb Nation and her team at Catholic Health Safety and Welfare on 08 8215 6850.

Importantly, please take care of yourself, your employees and reach out to members of your community. You may wish to encourage the many online forums in particular:

• Mass for You at Home – the official website of Mass For You At Home, Australia online
• Channel 10 every Sunday at 6am.

Following Premier Steven Marshall's announcement this morning that there will be a State-wide lock down from 6pm tonight, all Catholic churches in SA will be closed.

Archbishop Patrick O’Regan would like to communicate the new restrictions that came into effect at 12.01am Friday, 16th July 2021 regarding COVID-19 restrictions in South Australia.

The current restrictions are:

1. Places of Worship are restricted to one person per 2 square metres however, Places of Worship can extend to 3 people per 4 squares metres provided masks are worn. Social distancing principles apply. Every person should attempt to stay at least 1.5 metres from other members of the public this also applies to weddings and funerals.

2. Congregational Singing: a reminder that small choirs up to 5 members are allowed and that there is no congregational singing. Members of choirs should be spaced more than 1.5 metres apart. If you would like further assistance please contact Deb Nation and her team at Catholic Health Safety and Welfare on 08 8215 6850.

Grace and peace, I hope that this note finds you well. 

I wish to communicate the following information to you regarding changes announced which have taken effect from today, Wednesday 31st March at 12:01am.

The full details for the direction can be found at: Public activities | SA.GOV.AU: COVID-19 (covid-19.sa.gov.au).

I draw your attention to the following points:

1. Where worshippers are in fixed seating the requirement is that worshippers wear masks when more than 75% of the seats are occupied.
2. Where worshippers are not in fixed seating the requirements is that worshippers wear masks if the total number of persons present at the place exceeds 3 person per 4 square metres.
3. A mask is not required to be worn in the circumstances where the ability to see the mouth is essential for communication i.e. those celebrating mass and choirs.
4. An attendee under the age of 12 is not required to wear a mask neither is a person with a relevant medical condition (evidence must be produced on request).

Message:  March 24 – You may be aware that the South Australian Government has recently announced increases in capacity for Places of Worship. We are working to clarify specific information in relation to this announcement and further information will be provided shortly.

Message: March 25 – I have been in contact with SA Health and the COVID Information hotline regarding capacity requirements in Places of Worship. An indication has be given that specific detail around this will not be available until Monday, 29th March 2021. I thank you for your patience.

+ Archbishop Patrick O'Regan

Phase 1a vaccination rollout continues  |  A few highlights from this week:

• More than 2,500 doses have been provided to medi-hotel and airport staff, including frontline healthcare workers in testing clinics and Emergency Departments.
• The first 20,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine arrived in South Australia.
• 4,000 more doses of the Pfizer vaccine are expected to arrive in South Australia soon.
• South Australia’s third ultra-low temperature freezer arrived at the Lyell McEwin Hospital.
• The COVID-19 vaccine clinic at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital (WCH) opened.
• The first regional sites for the COVID-19 vaccination program have received essential items to begin vaccinating frontline health care workers.
• Murray Bridge Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital received 1000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine.
• An ultra-low temperature freezer also arrived at the Mount Gambier and Districts Health Service in preparation to begin vaccinations.

On behalf of Archbishop O’Regan, I am writing to let you know that SA Police and SA Health provided further clarification for places of worship, weddings and funerals. These changes will take effect from Monday, 14th December 2020.

Information provided includes:
·       Places of worship have a density requirement of 1 person per 2 sqm.
·       Funerals are capped at 200 people and requiring 1 person per 2 sqm.
·       Weddings are capped at 200 people and requiring 1 person per 2 sqm. The digital contact tracing form is still required.
·       COVID Safe Check-in is still required.

On behalf of Archbishop O’Regan, I am writing to let you know that last night SA Police and SA Health provided further clarification for weddings and funerals. These changes will take effect from today Tuesday, 1 December 2020.

Information provided included:

• Funerals are capped at 150 people and only requiring 1 person per 2 sqm.
• Weddings are capped at 150 people and also only requiring 1 person per 2 sqm.

___________________________

Message November 30 2020

On behalf of Archbishop O’Regan, you would be aware the South Australian Premier made several announcements on Friday November 27. These changes will take effect from Tuesday, 1 December 2020.
 
Information provided includes the following:

• Churches will continue to be capped at 1 person per 4 sqm. The only exclusion to this is for outdoor services, which is 1 person per 2 sqm.
• Funerals are capped at 150 people whilst maintaining 1 person per 4 sqm.
• Weddings in churches cannot exceed the 150 whilst maintaining 1 person per 4 sqm. The digital contact tracing form is still required. https://forms.sa.gov.au/#/form/5fb1fb9fad9c5820881d8528/app/5fc414d64d43339d44a32a6c          

As you would be aware the South Australian Premier Steven Marshall made an announcement late this morning. The state-wide lockdown will cease effective from midnight Saturday, 21^st November 2020.

This means that churches may re-open following the guidelines outlined below:

• Churches are capped at 100 people whilst maintaining 1 person per 4 square metres.

Update regarding live streaming Mass

With clarification from SAPOL, we can confirm that live streaming Mass is permitted if the priest resides on the same grounds as the church.

Click here for links to local parishes who are live streaming Masses.

On behalf of Archbishop Patrick O'Regan I would like to advise some further important information in relation to the announcements made by the Premier Steven Marshall today.  

From midnight this evening Wednesday, November 18 2020 we are moving into six days of hard lockdown. The hard lockdown is to restrict movement in the community.

Whilst there was no specific mention of places of worship, as the direction is a six-day lockdown, churches are to close effective from midnight this evening. Weddings and funerals are not permitted.

On behalf of Archbishop Patrick O’Regan, I would like to advise some further information in relation to the announcements made by the Premier Steven Marshall yesterday. We have clarified the situation in relation to weddings.

You will be required to update your COVID-Safe Plan to ensure your plan is current and correct which can be done on the following link

https://www.covid-19.sa.gov.au/business-and-work/create-a-covid-safe-plan

• Funerals are capped at 50 guests, with density requirements of 1 person per 4 sqm total.
• Attendance at Church services is capped at 100, with density requirements of 1 person per 4 sqm total.
• Weddings must register all guest details with Communicable Diseases Control Branch (CDCB) via an online form https://forms.sa.gov.au/#/form/5fb1fb9fad9c5820881d8528

Dear sisters and brothers,

As you would be aware the South Australian Premier made several announcements this afternoon, some in relation to churches. These will be effective from midnight tonight.

A summary is provided below:

• Churches are capped at 100 people whilst maintaining 1 person per 4 sqm.
• Funerals are capped at 50 people whilst maintaining 1 person per 4 sqm.
• Weddings in churches cannot exceed the 100 people permitted in church as per the  above.

The Premier has indicated these restrictions are being put in place in the hope that they won’t be long lasting.

We ask for your continued cooperation in this matter.
 
In Domino,
+Patrick O’Regan DD
Archbishop of Adelaide

COVID-19 OUTBREAK

Due to the outbreak in the northern suburbs we have been advised by the State Government today that Holy Family Sunday Mass and all gatherings at the Mass centre are to be cancelled until further notice. This is due to Holy Family School being placed in lock down. This will remain in place until the school can reopen or further advice from the State Government.

HOLY FAMILY MASS CENTRE SUNDAY MASS NOVEMBER 15 2020

After advice from the State Government COVID-19 hotline, the parish wishes to advise that if you attended Mass at Holy Family on Sunday November 15 and you show ANY SIGNS OF ILLNESS please go to a COVID testing station at once and be tested.

Grace and peace, I hope that this note finds you well.

While we had hoped and wished it was otherwise, present indications are that current guidelines in relation to Places of Worship will remain much the same as Christmas approaches. It is important to note that we are still operating under a Declared State of Emergency.

Density Requirements
The current requirements are that we must allow 1 person per 2 sq m.  An indication has been given by SA Health that it is unlikely this baseline requirement will change for some time.  Please ensure you are adhering to this ruling or contact Deb Nation and her team at Catholic Health Safety and Welfare on 08 8215 6850 for assistance on how best to configure your church.

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

Grace and peace, I hope this note finds you well.

I am writing to communicate and confirm the following information that has come into effect from 5th September 2020:

1. Funerals and Weddings: are now permitted for up to 150 people with hygiene and social distancing regulations still being observed providing 2 square metres per person.
2. COVID Marshals: Please refer to the attached SA Health Factsheet which outlines that COVID Marshals are not required for weddings and funerals unless there is eating and drinking under an approved COVID Management Plan.  Please refer to this Factsheet which clarifies when a COVID Marshal is required. This Factsheet can be found attached below.
    

Advice for Religious and Faith Communities

Grace and peace, I hope this note finds you well.

Following our recent instruction of 31st July 2020 around Liturgical Music, we have now received further advice from SA Health. It relates to congregational singing. 

In the latest Fact Sheet (attached for your reference) it advises that “singing increases the distance that droplets from the mouth can travel and spread, so spacing of 1.5 metres apart is advised when signing” and suggests that:

•    Congregational singing be avoided.
•    Choirs are permitted, provided: Singers are able to be social distanced from each other and the rest of the congregation. Numbers are limited to a designated person or a very small group.

Grace and peace, I hope this note finds you well.

As you would be aware the Premier announced on Friday, 24th July 2020 further information regarding the numbers permitted to gather for funerals and weddings.

As of 12.01am, Wednesday, 29th July 2020 the numbers are capped up to 100 people maximum for individual funerals and weddings provided your Mass Centre has the necessary capacity as per your COVID Safe Plan.

The Premier announced on Monday, 23rd June 2020 the further relaxation of restrictions regarding the numbers permitted to gather in places of worship.
The new regulations that immediately pertain to us include:-

• From Monday 29th June 2020, maximum density requirements with the new 1 person per 2 sqm, will apply for our churches. Correct spatial measurement of your church will assist you in determining the maximum number of people you will be allowed in your space.

Entry to the church  – Singular entrances to church are suggested, with the use of a different exit where possible.

Sign in sheets – Please ensure you are collecting the names of those attending your churches. A shared pen can be used so as long there is sanitiser placed near the sign-in sheet and people are sanitising their hands both before and after the use of the pen. Because of privacy concerns the details would best be collected on individual sheets to ensure the privacy of those visiting the churches and placed in a secure box. Alternatively you could consider encouraging the use of their own pen or an online registration system.   

Frequency – The number of Masses could be increased to ensure greater access to communion by members of the community. (Note, however, that three is the maximum number a priest can celebrate Vigil/Sunday. On weekdays a second Mass may be celebrated for a genuine pastoral reason e.g. a funeral or wedding.)  

Access – Parishes will need to work out methods that work for them to ensure an equitable access to available Masses. Rotation rosters could be considered. Parishes must not exceed the maximum number of people permitted on their premises.

Following the limited reopening of churches, we are continuing to work with government and other church leaders to achieve every best possible outcome for our faithful, while also not transgressing government directions and ensuring we are responsible. I am very conscious of the pain our people are feeling at not being able to receive the Eucharist but we also need to be mindful of the devastating impact of COVID-19 and the need to be cautious and vigilant. - Bishop Greg O'Kelly SJ

As you would be aware the Prime Minister and South Australian Premier made several announcements this afternoon, some in relation to the re-opening of churches. Of particular note is our own South Australian Premier detailing specifics effective Monday, May 11, 2020.

Please find latest protocols relating to the Coronavirus in the circulars below.

Our Church in South Australia and beyond faces an extraordinary situation when for the first time in our history Mass will not be celebrated in our parish churches, until further notice.

We will be updating this section to provide you with a range of online resources for prayer and worship - click here.

The Prime Minister has announced that non-essential indoor gathers are to be limited to 100 people and outdoor events of more than 500 are prohibited. Given the serious nature of the Coronavirus, as a community we are to support these measures as responsible and sensible.

The Catholic Church in South Australia has suspended the celebration of all Mass services and other major liturgical events. This follows advice from health authorities and the Federal Government’s decision to ban any gatherings of more than 100 people due to COVID-19. The temporary suspension of worship in Catholic churches across the State includes Holy Week and Easter celebrations such as Holy Thursday Mass, Stations of the Cross on Good Friday, the Easter Vigil and Easter Sunday Mass.

A number of questions have arisen concerning Holy Week, visiting the sick and collections. I am sure that commonsense and prudence of the priests and deacons will ensure that everything is done to contain the possible spread of the coronavirus. We have taken advice on these items from infectious disease control specialists.

At present there is no indication of the spread of coronavirus in South Australia. This offers us time to consider how we might respond to the virus before any urgency arises, and to play our part in preventing spread in the community. After extensive consultation with medical experts, and in order to be well prepared I am implementing the following guidelines effective from this coming weekend, Sunday March 8.