Directives for Churches and Chapels within the 
Catholic Archdiocese of Perth
Phase 4 of Western Australia’s COVID-19 Roadmap from 
The Most Rev Timothy Costelloe SDB
Archbishop of Perth
 

[Ref: 2020.9]

3 September 2020 

Download the full text in PDF

Dear brothers in the ordained ministry, 

Accompanying this letter is an updated version of the directives for churches and chapels within the Catholic Archdiocese of Perth. 

For ease of reference the major changes to previous versions of the directives are indicated below. 

Page 2 - additional sentence has been added in italics: 

• The number of people allowed in the church or chapel is determined by the WA government’s 2 square meter per person rule.  This applies to any and/or all celebrations in the Church or chapel.
• Individuals should practice physical distancing, remaining at least 1.5m away from people from other households.  This applies to any and/or all celebrations in the Church or chapel.

Masses - additional sentence has been added in italics: 

Churches and chapels are to put in place procedures to ensure that numbers of attendees at all Masses conform to the Phase 4 directives of the Western Australian Government.  The faithful continue to be dispensed from their obligation to attend Sunday Mass. However, all Catholics are encouraged to attend Mass whenever possible in accordance with Government directives.  Parishes are encouraged to continue live streaming Masses.  

Masses - new paragraph at the end of Masses: 

• Congregational singing and singing led by a choir and/or cantors may be undertaken at the discretion of the Parish Priest.  In determining whether or not congregational singing and singing led by a choir and/or cantors is appropriate, the Parish Priest and his advisors will take full account of the risks to health and relevant Government recommendations.

Confirmations – replacement section: 

• The temporary suspension of the celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation is hereby discontinued.
• The Sacrament of Confirmation may now be celebrated in accordance with the following directives.   Each Parish Priest will make appropriate decisions about this matter after consultation with his sacramental team and other advisors.  Confirmations may still be postponed until 2021.
• The celebrant is not to put his thumb into the Chrism and directly anoint the candidate.
• For the anointing with Sacred Chrism at Confirmation the celebrant should use cotton balls with a separate cotton ball used for each candidate.
• Used cotton balls must be burned after the celebration and the residue buried in soil.
• For 2020 only at this stage a general delegation for the celebration of Confirmation is granted for to all Parish Priests for communal parish celebrations of the Sacrament. Delegation for the confirmation for single individuals is still to be requested from the Office of the Vicar General.

I am conscious of how challenging it is for all of us to keep on top of the rapidly developing situation as regards our response to the pandemic. I am grateful to you all for your patience and your cooperation.  Please be assured of my prayers for you all at this difficult time. 

Yours sincerely in Christ 

Most Rev. Timothy Costelloe SDB
Archbishop of Perth
Catholic Archdiocese of Perth