Dear Parishioners,

I pray that you are all well. Further to Wednesday’s message regarding the easing of restrictions for places of public worship by NSW Government, I write to you providing information as to how these new regulations will be implemented here at Our Lady of Lebanon Co-Cathedral.

The new rules, commencing Friday 23 October, has allowed for us to have 300 people inside the Church, while abiding by the 4sqm rule, for Mass, adoration, and personal prayer. We encourage you all to return to Church, participate in the Divine Liturgy and receive the Holy Sacraments. Our Liturgy times, that will continue as normal, being:

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday: 7am, 9am and, 6pm
Wednesday: 7am, 9am, 5:30pm and 7pm
Saturday: 7:30am and 6pm
Sunday: 8am, 9:30am, 11am, 5pm and 7pm

Bookings will still be required for those wishing to attend the weekday evening Masses, Saturday evening Mass and all Sunday Mass times.
Book online here: https://www.churchbooking.com.au/

Bookings will not be essential for those attending the Monday to Saturday morning Masses; however, we ask that Parishioners come earlier to register their names at the door before Mass starts.

Please Note the follow change: You must arrive 15 minutes prior to the scheduled Mass start time to secure your reservation. Within the last 15 minutes of the scheduled Mass start time of if you have not checked-in your spot and reservation will become available to those on the waitlist.

To maintain safe social distancing, the pews have been marked with a blue cross to show where you can sit inside the Church. We kindly ask that you appropriately spread out and adhere to the social distancing requirements. For those with families who wish to sit next to each other, the larger pews towards the back of the Church have been made available.

Memorial, Forty Days, and One Year Mass
For the celebration of forty days, one year and memorial Masses, we strongly advise that the family arrive early to take their place inside the Church. Bookings and reservation are still required in advance.

Weddings and Funerals
Upon contact with the NSW Government, it was confirmed that the following conditions will remain for weddings and funerals, until further notice

• Weddings are still restricted to 150 people including the bride and groom, celebrant, and other necessary people for the Liturgy.
• Funerals are still limited to 100 people only, including the clergy and funeral directors.
• Condolences after funerals or memorial services will be permitted with safety precautions and adequate social distancing.

As per the advice provided by NSW Health, it is encouraged that certain groups avoid public gatherings or contact with others. These groups include:

• People aged 70 years and over
• People aged 65 years and over with chronic medical conditions
• People with a compromised immune system
• Anyone with cold and flu like symptoms
• Anyone with a fever
• Anyone who is not feeling well at all

If you fall into one of these groups, we ask that you follow the governments recommendations and continue to practice social distancing by staying at home.

Whilst we are overjoyed to welcome a greater number of people back into the Church, it is important to note that as a community we are still required to abide by the health and safety regulations put forth by the government. We ask you to cooperate with our volunteers and follow their instructions. Remember that these are our people who sacrifice their time and resources to the service of God and our Parish community. Please show them respect at all times as they will be taking care of the implementation of the new measures on the ground to facilitate everything for you.

It goes without saying that these times have been challenging for all of us, however, these further easing of restrictions give us hope moving forward. The coming weeks will also bring with them their own challenges, remember that we are available to answer any questions and concerns, so please feel free to contact us should a question arise.

On behalf of his Excellency, Bishop Antoine-Charbel Tarabay and all the Clergy, we would like to take this opportunity to thank all the Committees and Parishioners for your generous contributions and support during the pandemic. We pray to Christ the heavenly physician and ask that he shower upon our world his healing mercy and grace.

Yours in Christ,

Father Tony Sarkis
Dean, Our Lady of Lebanon Co-Cathedral

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