COVID-19 Update – Thank you for your careful attention to detail in applications to reopen church buildings
26 May – Number 1 Thank you for your careful attention to detail in applications to reopen church buildings No changes in permissions Parishes urged to make preparations for the next stage Please pray! Dear colleagues, Reopening applications Thank you for your careful consideration of the wellbeing and safety issues associated with the reopening of…
COVID-19 Update – Slow stream of applications for reopening of church buildings
19 May – Number 1 Slow stream of applications for reopening of church buildings Guidance on baptisms Dear colleagues, Reopening applications I am grateful for the careful attention that people are giving to the process of reopening our church buildings. There has been a slow stream of applications most of which focus on the re-opening application…
COVID-19 Update – Incumbents and Churchwardens – Application can be made to livestream services on a Sunday
15 May – Number 1 Application can be made to livestream services on a Sunday NSW Health have advised that congregation numbers doesn’t include the people leading/managing the service Dear colleagues, I write to confirm that the use of a church building on a Sunday for live streaming or recording without a congregation being present…
COVID-19 Update – Incumbents, Parish Council Treasurers and Churchwardens – Application process for reopening church buildings and recommencing church activity released
14 May – Number 1 Application process for reopening church buildings and recommencing church activity released Dear brothers and sisters, Introduction I was grateful for the opportunity to meet with so many of you via Zoom yesterday as we continue our journey of returning to face-to-face ministries in our parishes. All of our consideration is…
COVIDSAFE AUSTRALIA Update – Revised draft of for opening church buildings and recommencing parish operations released
9 May 2020 – Number 1 Revised draft of for opening church buildings and recommencing parish operations released Details about hall hire included in draft The only change to yesterday’s update is a revised draft framework which includes hall hire being permitted when NSW moves to step 2. Hirers will need to be responsible for…
COVID-19 Update – Draft steps for opening church buildings and recommencing parish operations released
8 May 2020 – Number 1 Draft steps for opening church buildings and recommencing parish operations released The Australian Government has released a document outlining the steps for a COVIDSAFE AUSTRALIA. It is important to note that the requirements in NSW will not change until the NSW government issues the appropriate health orders. Parishes will…
COVID-19 Update – Parish Council Treasurers to provide monthly updates
8 May – Number 2 Parish Council Treasurers to provide monthly updates Payment restrictions remain in place Treasurers to continue to provide monthly updates An essential feature of Jobkeeper is the role of the Australian Taxation Office in monitoring eligibility. Treasurers will be required to provide evidence each month of the parishes finances to the…
COVID-19 Update – Wonderful stories of increased electronic giving in parishes
8 May Wonderful stories of increased electronic giving in parishes Parishes to pay as much of their debt to the diocese on a timely basis Important to review non-clergy work arrangements Church buildings and op-shops are not permitted to re-open The conversation about parish clusters and hubs is being renewed and brought forward Again, thank…
COVID-19 Update – No changes in the restrictions on the use of church buildings
28 April – Number 2 No changes in the restrictions on the use of church buildings This evening I received the following advice from Multicultural NSW which is responsible for the relationship with churches during the COVID-19 emergency. I share it with you as together we prepare our ministries in the coming period. As soon…
COVID-19 Update – Change in visiting ministries from 1 May 2020
28 April – Number 1 Change in visiting ministries from 1 May 2020 Home communion possible with the bread alone The changes announced by the NSW Premier enable us to make some changes to our pastoral practices. From Friday 1 May, clergy and lay people can undertake visiting ministries as a result of changes to…