Dear People of the Diocese of Townsville

I communicate once again concerning the Novel Coronavirus or COVID-19.  Directives have already been put in place and I trust all parishes, in particular, are implementing the temporary liturgical changes and other precautions.

As of today, the Federal Government has prohibited all indoor gatherings over 100 people and all outdoor gatherings over 500 people.  Some parishes may be impacted by the latest changes and should be making changes to their celebrations to accommodate the ban, e.g. moving celebrations outside or limiting the number in attendance.  A considerable number of our parishes will be impacted in the case of upcoming Holy Week and Easter celebrations.  Priests and Pastoral Councils should begin making plans now for a change to their ceremonies and have measures in place if the regulations change again.

However, I do intend to act now in respect of those who are 70 years and older and those who are sick and infirm and who have underlying health issues, e.g. compromised immune systems.

From this weekend I hereby dispense the elderly, as described above, and those with chronic conditions that place them at risk from the corona virus from their obligation to participate in Sunday Mass.  My concern always is for all parishioners, but at this stage I think our most vulnerable (over 70s and those with chronic or compromised immune systems) should be carefully considered.

If this group chooses to attend Mass then I ask you to practice the directives of this Diocese that are in place.  It is important to restate that if you have a cold or ‘flu or generally feeling quite unwell, then you must not attend the celebration of Eucharist until you are better.

Our priests will continue to pastorally care for you in these times regardless of the circumstances in which we find ourselves.  We all need to care for each other and this is why I am acting in this way.  Therefore, if you are unable to be present at a celebration of the Eucharist, I encourage you to participate in other ways such as a time in personal and family prayer, reflecting on the Scriptures, making a spiritual communion, or participating in a Mass on-line from the Sacred Heart Cathedral youtube.com/user/SacredHeartCathTSV   or  http://bit.ly/MassOnDemand.  We need to think of others even if we feel uncomfortable with the changes.

I pray for the victims of Novel Coronavirus and thank you for your understanding and patience.

With every best wish,

 

MOST REV TIMOTHY J HARRIS
Bishop of Townsville

Back to List


More News


22.04.2025

Death of Pope Francis - statement from Bishop Tim Harris

Statement from Most Rev. Tim Harris Catholic Bishop of Townsville on the death of the Holy Father, Pope Francis Monday evening, like the rest of the world, I saw the news from the Vatican with the announcement that Pope Francis has died.He has been ...

Read Full Article
7.02.2025

An Open Letter to the Jewish Community

An Open Letter to the Jewish Community Dear sisters and brothers, We write as leaders of Christian communities in Queensland wanting to express our solidarity with you in the wake of recent antisemitic attacks, which have left the Jewish community generally f...

Read Full Article
4.02.2025

A Pastoral Message from Bishop Tim Harris regarding the flooding event

A Pastoral Message from Bishop Tim re the Flooding event Dear Friends, Greetings. In recent days many of you have experienced heavy rain and flooding. It seems for the most part however that Townsville has dodged a bullet in terms of the effects. Other commu...

Read Full Article
20.12.2024

North West Queensland Indigenous Catholic Social Services Announces Change of Constitution

Roman Catholic Trust Corporation of the Diocese of Townsville Announces Future Change to North West Queensland Indigenous Catholic Social Services Constitution The Roman Catholic Trust Corporation of the Diocese of Townsville (RCTCDT) has announced that signif...

Read Full Article
20.06.2024

Diocesan Safeguarding Audit celebrates achievements

Diocesan Safeguarding Audit celebrates achievements   An independent safeguarding audit of the Catholic Diocese of Townsville has assessed a 100 per cent compliance rating with the National Catholic Safeguarding Standards according to the audit report pub...

Read Full Article
17.06.2024

Call to support the Peter’s Pence appeal in 2024

Call to support the Peter’s Pence appeal in 2024 Catholics around Australia are being encouraged to support the Peter’s Pence appeal on June 30, the Sunday after the Feast of St Peter and St Paul.  Donations to the appeal, which goes back to M...

Read Full Article
28.05.2024

FR DAVE CHARGES DROPPED

Today, Fr Dave Lancini has had all charges dismissed by the Magistrate after the prosecution offered no evidence to all charges. In November 2023 Fr Dave was charged with historic offences dating back to 1969. Fr Dave had strongly denied any involvement in th...

Read Full Article
25.01.2024

Parish Mass Cancellations

Parish Mass Cancellationsdue to Cyclone Kirrily Due the weather event and expected heavy rainfall and potiential of flodding, the following masses have been cancelled across the Diocese. Cathedral Parish The following Masses have been cancelled across the Pari...

Read Full Article
More Links in this section