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Coronavirus - COVID-19

Our Bishop, Michael McCarthy, has continued to respond to the coronavirus, COVID 19, as the situation has developed across the world and here in Australia. Local parish priests and administrators have been given the discretion to determine how to implement their plans following the guidelines regarding social distancing and cleaning protocols laid out by the government. You are encouraged to contact your local parish for further information.

The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference Commission for Life, Family and Public Engagement acknowledges that there are ethical concerns about the way some of the vaccines have been developed or tested.

Despite those concerns, the Commission follows the guidance of the Vatican’s Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith in urging people to be vaccinated for their own health, and for the health of the wider community. There is a particular imperative to protect the health of those who are vulnerable.

You can read the Commission’s Media Release encouraging Australian Catholics to be vaccinated here and find their FAQs-and-Guidance document on COVID-19 Vaccination here.

Below you can find the Bishop’s pastoral letters and all updates to date:

Bishop Michael McCarthy’s Pastoral Letter regarding COVID-19 vaccine – 19th February 2021

Bishop Michael’s correspondence to Diocesan Personnel on latest COVID Threat in Queensland – 8th January 2021

Re-opening of Churches – 19th May 2020

Post from Bishop Michael – 13th May 2020

Easter Ceremonies – 31st March 2020

COVID-19 Update Newsletter 1

Update to the Diocese – 25th March 2020

Pastoral Letter to the Diocese – 20th March 2020

Letter from Bishop Michael – 4th March 2020

Video message from Bishop Michael – 4th March 2020

Summary of Liturgical Changes – 4th March 2020