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NOVEL COVID-19 - Revised and temporary changes to be implemented within Archdiocese of Perth [Ref: 2020.5]
Statement from the Most Rev Timothy Costelloe SDB
on revised and temporary changes to the celebration of Weddings and Funerals within the Archdiocese of Perth
in response to the Australian Government’s directives in relation
to Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Ref No: 2020.5
Wednesday 25 March 2020
Download the full text in PDF
Following a meeting of the National Cabinet on Tuesday 24 March 2020, Prime Minister Scott Morrison and the Australian Government’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr Brendan Murphy, issued updated directives in relation to additional prohibited activities and venues. These directives can be accessed here: https://www.pm.gov.au/media/update-coronavirus-measures-24-March-2020
The Australian Government’s directives in relation to additional prohibited activities and venues will apply from 11.59pm (local time) 25 March 2020. The Archdiocese of Perth will continue to adhere to the direction of both Federal and State Governments and respective health authorities in relation to COVID-19.
In addition to the directives I have previously outlined in relation to COVID-19 relevant to the Archdiocese of Perth (available on the dedicated COVID-19 section of the Archdiocesan website: http://perthcatholic.org.au/COVID19.htm) the subsequent directives in relation to the celebration of Weddings and Funerals in the Archdiocese of Perth will come into effect from 11.59pm (local time) 25 March 2020 and will reflect the Australian Government’s updated directives.
In the Archdiocese of Perth the following is to be observed in relation to the celebration of Weddings and Funerals.
• Weddings
o The celebration of each wedding must adhere to the government-issued restriction of no more than five (5) people in attendance.
o Attendees at weddings are to be restricted to the celebrant (1), the couple (2) and the witnesses (2).
o The rule of one (1) person per four (4) square metres applies.
• Funerals
o The celebration of each funeral must adhere to the government-issued restriction of no more than ten (10) people in attendance.
o The rule of one (1) person per four (4) square metres applies.
Prayer Resources for Individuals and Families
The Archdiocese of Perth will continue to provide prayer and worship resources for individuals and families to use within their homes. Web links to resources and live-streamed Masses are available on the home page of the Archdiocesan website: www.perthcatholic.org.au Additional links and suggestions for prayer resources will be regularly placed on the Archdiocese of Perth website in the COVID-19 section.
Public Health Advice from the Australian Government
Access to daily health alerts can be obtained from the Australian Government’s Department of Health: https://www.health.gov.au/health-topics/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov
Public Health Advice from the Western Australian Department of Health
Access to health alerts from the Western Australian Government’s Department of Health can be accessed at: https://ww2.health.wa.gov.au/Articles/A_E/Coronavirus
Western Australian Government
Current information on the measures being taken to protect the Western Australian community in order to minimise the potential impacts of COVID-19 in WA can be found at: https://www.wa.gov.au/government/document-collections/coronavirus-covid-19-state-of-emergency-declarations
National Coronavirus (COVID-19) Campaign
The Australian Government’s Department of Health has launched a national campaign to inform all Australians about the coronavirus (COVID-19). The campaign aims to reduce the risk to individuals and families by enabling them to make informed decisions and to take up health recommendations. The campaign resources can be found at: https://www.health.gov.au/news/launch-of-the-coronavirus-covid-19-campaign
I assure you of my continued prayers and practical support as together we as an Archdiocese seek to continue to witness and proclaim our Christ-centred hope within a global context that is collectively seeking to respond to the uncertainty and reality of COVID-19.
Yours sincerely in Christ,
Most Rev. Timothy Costelloe SDB
Archbishop of Perth
Catholic Archdiocese of Perth
Further media enquiries should be directed to:
Mr Brett Mendez, Media Manager, Catholic Archdiocese of Perth
Telephone: 08 9313 2241 Mobile: 0448 791 661
Email: brett.mendez@perthcatholic.org.au