Here in the West, responses to the COVID-19 changes have been predictably varied.  For about half of our communities the changes are yet to be fully realised, as the time of their first COVID-19 cancelled service is yet to occur.  For parishioners of communities with a Sunday service each week, and maybe even multiple weekday Masses, the restrictions have been a big change to their lives and undoubtedly caused uncertainty and angst. 

Telstra is getting a work out as we attempt to connect via telephone and email.  Now, more than ever, we are grateful for modern telecommunication! Whilst limited internet connectivity means that it isn't an option for everyone, a number of parishioners are enjoying the opportunity to watch daily Mass online and experience a feeling of connection with the rest of the diocese and the Catholic Church throughout the world.  On top of day-to-day communication, to ensure that no community 'falls through the cracks', our priests will be contacting a couple of parishioners from each town on the days when they would normally celebrate Mass there.  This is a huge undertaking for Fr Raj and Fr Shaiju who will sometimes be contacting people and communities whom they have not yet met.

Our weekly Cluster Bulletin is continuing as a means of sharing notices, connecting communities and building familiarity between the parishioners and our two new priests.  Our priests are sharing personal stories and writing gospel reflections as a way of introducing themselves and providing spiritual guidance.  Many people have been working hard to contact parishioners and build a list of email addresses for distributing the Bulletin each week.  In addition to this, numerous volunteers will be printing a few copies of the Bulletin each week and delivering them to the letterboxes of those parishioners who do not have email. 

Whilst our Church buildings are closed, our Church, the people of God, is very much alive and doing it's best to remain connected and supportive of each other during this time.

Loretta McKeering