Joy as restrictions for churches eased
Local
Confirmation that places of worship will be allowed larger attendances this Easter have been welcomed with “great joy” by Adelaide Archbishop Patrick O’Regan.
On Wednesday COVID restrictions were relaxed, with 100 per cent capacity now allowed in places of worship with fixed seating (pews), provided masks are worn. If the number of attendees is 75 per cent of capacity or less, masks are not required.
In places of worship where there is no fixed seating, the number of chairs are limited to three per four square metres. The same rule applies, that is, 100 per cent with masks or 75 per cent without masks.
St Francis Xavier’s Cathedral now has capacity for 800 worshippers if masks are worn, a significant increase on the previous limit of 240 people.
Archbishop O’Regan said the easing of restrictions for places of worship was welcome news for Christians wanting to retrace the death and resurrection of Jesus and what this means for them in their lives today.
“It is a great joy to be celebrating the highest point in the Christian year in a vastly different way to last Easter when sadly our churches were closed,” he said.
“While we managed to find different ways to pray and worship, nothing can replace coming together as a community and receiving the Eucharist.”
The Adelaide Archdiocese is live streaming the Good Friday Passion of the Lord and Easter Masses via its website (www.adelaide.catholic.org.au) and the Easter Sunday Mass will be replayed on Channel 44 at 7pm the same day.
Jump to next article
Comments
Show comments Hide comments