Physical closeness – once a source of spiritual solidarity – now comes with the high risk of spreading infection.
Although St John of God Auburn Father Andrew Feng opened the church doors when restrictions first eased allowing 10 parishioners.
“The 50-person limit is ideal for us as we don’t have that many and I think people will be cautious about returning immediately anyway,” he said.
St Peter Chanel and St Joseph Parish Berala Father Thomas Kurunthanam said: “I am looking at creating a roster system to make it easier to keep the number to 50 as weekend masses can see up to 150 attend.
“I have been offering services on youtube everyday at 8am but from this week, it will only be available on Sunday. However, bible messages will still be available daily.
“People want to get back and celebrate their faith together; we are looking forward to it.”
Auburn Baptist Pastor Phil Grebert has been pre-recording services on youtube.
“Older members found the technology a big of a challenge at first but have come to embrace it; we have given MP3 players to all the ones that didn’t have the access so they didn’t miss out,” he said.
“We can comfortably fit 50 so that’s good but it will take a week or two to work out all of the details.
“We will have a small run to start with and are not rushing into it.”
Hesitant over church return
SAYING there will be no morning teas yet or singing, churches are welcoming the easing of pandemic restrictions allowing 50 people to congregate but are in no rush to throw open their doors.
