Between now and Advent, I plan to visit every parish in the Diocese to share our stories on the that has been and our hopes for next year and the years to come.
This will be a simple visitation: I will say Mass in each parish and hope to pray with as many people as current restrictions allow. It will not be possible to meet with everyone, but I have asked the parish priests to arrange a gathering of the school principal(s), pastoral council and finance committee. In addition I will spend some time with leaders and members of Word and Faith groups.
My hope is that, during this difficult year, we have learnt some things about our faith and how we live and share it. There may be lessons for how we plan for the future.
Please be united in prayer with me that God would bless this initiative and stir up joyful hope in all the faithful of our local church.
Our Lady of the Central West, St Patrick and St Mary of the Cross, pray for us and with us.
Yours in Christ,
+Michael McKenna Bishop of Bathurst
VISIT OF BISHOP MICHAEL TO THE PARISHES OF MUDGEE, GULGONG AND KANDOS 6TH – 8TH NOVEMBER
MUDGEE: Friday 6th November Mass at 5:00pm celebrated by Bishop Michael. (Please note Friday 12:30pm Mass will be as normal). Bishop Michael to meet with Word and Faith Group, Finance and Pastoral Council members.
GULGONG: Saturday 7th November Mass at 6:00pm (Please note this will replace the normal Sunday Mass). Bishop Michael will meet with parish representatives prior to Mass.
KANDOS: Sunday Mass Rylestone at 11:00am Bishop to meet with parish representatives.
COVID-19 is a highly contagious disease. In order to reduce and prevent the spread of COVID-19, the following information is critical.
DO NOT COME INTO THIS BUILDING IF YOU HAVE ANY OF THE FOLLOWING SYMPTOMS:
THINGS TO NOTE
If some of the above apply to you please go home and contact the COVID-19 Information Hotline or your GP.
If you have recently arrived from overseas or returned from overseas travel, please consult your doctor or seek medical advice before entering this building.
To help prevent the spread of COVID-19, we strongly encourage the following preventative measures that will help to ensure the safety of all in our community. We will continue to monitor advice from health authorities and provide further updates on the Diocese of Bathurst website: bathurst.catholic.org.au
ATTENDEE LIMIT AND CONTACT TRACING
In accordance with government restrictions, there are no more than 50 worshipers allowed in a church, or 1 person per 4 square metres50 people are allowed in this church.You must provide your contact details on entering the church, for contact tracing should it be required.This information will be kept for 28 days and not be used for any other purpose.
SIGN OF PEACE
When exchanging the Sign of Peace, please avoid shaking hands. Instead, say “Peace be with you” and offer a smile, wave, nod or bow.
GROUP SINGING
Due to the high risk of transmission of the virus when singing, group singing/choirs or chanting should be avoided. Solo singers should maintain at least 3 metres physical distance from other people.
IF YOU FEEL UNWELL
People with flu-like symptoms are advised to stay at home. We encourage parishioners to consider ways that we can support people who are self-isolating by phone, email or text or through Careline.
SOCIAL DISTANCING
If there’s space, spread out! You must maintain 1.5 metres – 2 metres distance from one another to reduce the risk of airborne infection.
HOLY WATER
Holy Water has temporarily removed from stoups at the doors of churches to reduce the possibility of transmission of the virus.
PRAYING FOR ONE ANOTHER
Please pray for those who are suffering from the virus and those who work and livelihood has been impacted. Please pray for the repose of the souls of those who have died and for those who are working to care for the ill and find cures and remedies for the virus.
