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.

A summary is provided below:

• Churches may re-open for private prayer. Numbers will be restricted to 10 people plus staff.  They are not open for either private/public masses except for funerals, weddings and baptisms. 
• Funerals now permitted to have 20 indoors and 30 people outdoors plus those officiating.
• Weddings now permitted to have 10 people plus those officiating.
• Private baptisms are allowed to resume with 10 people plus those officiating.

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.

My Dear Sisters and Brothers,

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.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

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.

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

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.