News

Decree Restoring the Sunday Obligation

Following the advice in his Advent Pastoral Letter, Bishop Michael has decreed that the obligation for all the baptised to attend Sunday Mass is being restored from Christmas Day 2022.  The Sunday obligation was removed during the early stages of the COVID pandemic.  This obligation includes all people from all parts of the Diocese, with due respect for those communities that may celebrate their Sunday Mass during the week based on the availability of their pastor.

As has always been the case however, those who cannot attend Sunday Mass because of sickness, infirmity or another equally serious reason are not bound by the Sunday obligation.  If you are unable to attend Sunday Mass due to illness or infirmity and would like to receive Holy Communion, please contact your local parish office to discuss the possibility of receiving Holy Communion at home.

You can see the official decree from our Bishop restoring the Sunday obligation here:

Decree – Revocation of Dispensation from Sunday Obligation

In line with the restoring of the Sunday obligation it has been decided that livestreaming of weekday Masses from St Joseph’s Cathedral will cease after Christmas.  The long-running 9.30am Sunday Mass livestream will continue to be offered.  Livestreaming of Masses was a very important tool to help keep us connected with the Church during the time when we could not gather during the pandemic.  It could not however replace the importance of gathering together to participate in the Holy Mass.   Now things are returning to normal the faithful are encouraged to return and gather with your local communities for the celebration of Mass.