TO THE PASTORS AND PEOPLE OF THE ARCHDIOCESE OF BRISBANE
In light of the Premier’s announcement to ease restrictions from 16 May and in consultation with local government and the Episcopal Council, we have taken the decision to implement the following protocols for churches and services in the Archdiocese of Brisbane.
These protocols will be in effect through 12 June 2020 and are subject to change with any ongoing amendments to Queensland Health guidelines.
Updates to existing protocols from 11:59pm on 15 May (note that in all cases, the rules of one person per 4 square metres, 1.5 metres between people, and hygiene protocols remain paramount, they are an individual and collective responsibility):
Funerals may be conducted with a maximum capacity of up to 20 people indoors and 30 people outdoors.
Weddings may be conducted with a maximum capacity up to 10 people.
Baptisms have a maximum capacity of up to 10 people.
Churches, which are in a position to do so, are allowed to open for private prayer for up to 10 people at one time during specific hours as determined by each parish, with the requirement for visitors to sanitise upon entry and exit.
Occupancy of the space will need to be monitored at all times by a designated marshal, who is not over 70 years of age.
The designated marshal is required to record in writing the name, phone number and time of visit for each visitor as a protection to assist with contact tracing if necessary.
Work Health and Safety will provide cleaning protocols however, it is the responsibility of each parish to provide cleaning supplies.
It is understood that not all parishes will have the capacity to maintain ongoing monitoring or hygiene protocols for private prayer at this time.
Protocols that remain in place:
The celebration of Mass continues to be suspended at this time.
Priests will continue to celebrate Mass (the Mass for the people) on Sundays without a congregation, with people able to follow Masses live-streamed from their parish or from the Cathedral on Sundays and weekdays.
No one is to enter a Church, parish building or Archdiocesan workplace if feeling ill.
As always in the Lord,
Archbishop of Brisbane