All are welcome to join us at Mass

Check in no longer required

Face mask restrictions ease on 25 February

We still have resources for those who need to celebrate Sunday at home

Further information

Restrictions eased for places of worship

Further easing of COVID-19 restrictions took effect on 18 February. This means that Masses and other parish activities may return to pre-COVID arrangements in large part, and that Service NSW Check In is no longer required. If you have stayed at home since the last lockdown, we are ready to welcome you back to church.

If, however, you are displaying COVID symptoms, please stay at home until you have recovered. We ask this to ensure the safety of you and our whole community.

The wearing of face masks at church remains mandatory for another week. From Friday 25 February, the wearing of face masks is encouraged (especially when physical distancing is not possible) but no longer mandatory.

We understand that some people may still need to celebrate Sunday at home (for example, people who are sick or whose health makes them vulnerable). We will continue to share resources for praying at home on our website from The Carmelites of Australia and Timor-Leste, Mass for You at Home, and our diocesan cathedral.

Sunday Mass obligation has been restored

In 2020, when COVID-19 restrictions were first put in place, Bishop Vincent Long temporarily suspended the obligation of Catholics in the Diocese of Parramatta to participate in Sunday Mass. Since attendance limits were lifted in New South Wales in December, the Sunday Mass obligation has been restored. You at not required, however, to participate in Mass if you are unwell, and Communion can be brought to those who are sick or housebound. Contact us if you require this support.

Face masks must be worn when you come to the church

Yesterday, the NSW Government reinstated requirements for face masks to be worn in indoor venues. As such, everyone must wear a mask while in the church and parish centre. All other requirements for places of worship, including mandatory check in on arrival, remain in place.

Restrictions eased for places of worship, but check in is still essential

Further easing of COVID-19 restrictions took effect on 15 December.

• You must stay home if you are unwell
• Attendance limits no longer apply, but physical distancing is encouraged whenever possible
• Service NSW Check In is still required for places of worship. If you do not have access to the Service NSW App, then continue to sign in on the sheet in the parish centre
• All members of the assembly can sing
• The wearing of face masks is encouraged (especially when physical distancing is not possible) but no longer mandatory

Sunday Mass obligation has been restored

Last year, when COVID-19 restrictions were first put in place, Bishop Vincent Long temporarily suspended the obligation of Catholics in the Diocese of Parramatta to participate in Sunday Mass. Now that all attendance limits have been lifted in New South Wales, the Sunday Mass obligation has been restored.

Recent changes to the COVID roadmap by the NSW Government mean that additional easing of restrictions for places of worship took effect from Monday 8 November.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church is open for all liturgical celebrations.

As places of worship need to comply with government regulations, anyone coming to Mass will need to abide by the following:

• Attendance will be capped at 1 person per 2 square metres
• Service NSW Check In will be required (or manual sign in if you do not have access to the Service NSW App), but vaccination status will not be checked
• Fully vaccinated members of the assembly can sing
• Masks must be worn, and COVID Safe practices (such as physical distancing) will continue
• The sign of peace can be made by way of a bow of the head
• Doors and windows should be open to maximise ventilation

Attendance at weddings and funerals where attendees are fully vaccinated is now limited to 1 person per 2 square metres. Strict limits still apply if there are unvaccinated attendees.

From 15 December, or when 95% vaccination rate is reaches (whichever comes first), all members of the assembly may sing.

We look forward to seeing parishioners back at Mass when they are ready to return.

As the 80% vaccination rate in New South Wales has been reached earlier than anticipated, the next easing of COVID restrictions will take effect from tomorrow, Monday 18 October.

Masses at Our Lady of Mount Carmel will resume from the 6:00 pm Mass on Saturday 23 October.

As places of worship need to comply with government regulations, anyone coming to Mass will need to abide by the following:

• Attendance will be capped at 1 person per 4 square metres
• Service NSW Check In will be required, but vaccination status will not be checked
• The assembly cannot sing, but a choir is allowed
• Masks must be worn, and COVID Safe practices (such as physical distancing) will continue
• The sign of peace can be made by way of a bow of the head
• Doors and windows should be open to maximise ventilation

Restrictions will ease further on 1 December, allowing increased capacity and singing.

We look forward to seeing parishioners back at Mass when they are ready to return.