At various stages of the emergence of the novum coronavirus, COVID-19 Bishop Anthony has offered instruction for our Diocese on preventative measures appropriate to any situation of concern about public health. He maintains vigilance on the current situation and is continuously reviewing what might be appropriate for the gatherings of the Faithful in the Diocese of Broken Bay.
Bishop Anthony also calls us to be mindful not to contribute to the play of social fear and to exercise a pastoral leadership which is socially responsible. With a relatively small number of confirmed cases of coronavirus or COVID-19 in Australia, the risk to the general public remains low. The advice he provides us should be considered alongside local and national health guidance, including from the Commonwealth Department of Health (https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert).
Now, with confirmed cases of human to human transmission in the Greater Sydney area, Bishop Anthony has reviewed the instructions that he provided at both the end of January and the end of February. He now provides us with the following additional instruction proportionate to the current understanding of the coronavirus and the risks outlined by health authorities:
• Individuals should consider their own health, including any potential to infect others with a contagious disease, before attending a public liturgical celebration, and the manner by which they engage their participation in the celebration.
• Holy Water should be temporarily removed from stoups at the doors of churches to reduce the possibility of transmission of the virus. Holy Water should continue to be available for people to take home.
• Parishes and other settings where liturgies are celebrated should make alcohol-based gels or rubs (or like products) available near entrances. Similar provisions should be considered for settings used for the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
• Celebrants may exercise the option allowed in the Roman Rite for the inclusion of the Sign of the Peace in the Rite of Communion. If they choose the option for the Sign of Peace, individuals should avoid shaking hands but say “Peace be with you” and offer a smile, wave, nod or bow.
• Parishes continue not to distribute Holy Communion from the Chalice until further notice. The Faithful should be reminded that Christ is fully present under either species.
• All Ministers of Holy Communion should take particular care to wash their hands before and after distributing. Appropriate means should be made available.
• The Faithful shall still have the option of receiving Communion on the tongue until the situation is further reviewed, but Ministers of Communion should disinfect their hands afterwards and avoid contact with the palm of people’s hands.
• The faithful who are too unwell to attend Sunday Mass – whether due to coronavirus or some other condition – or are at particular risk of contracting the COVID-19 virus can honour their Sunday obligation by participating in a time of prayer within the home, reading the Scriptures or watching Mass on television or online (http://bit.ly/MassOnDemand).
Should the situation change, Bishop Anthony will further review these instructions.