Coronavirus: Catholic Church in South Australia cancels all mass services until further notice

The coronavirus pandemic has forced the Catholic Church in SA to cancel Easter services, while other religions are closing some places of worship and moving to live-streaming.

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The coronavirus pandemic has forced the Catholic Church to suspend Mass services in South Australia, with other churches set to follow.

Traditional Catholic Easter celebrations, such as Holy Thursday mass, Stations of the Cross on Good Friday, the Easter Vigil and Easter Sunday mass, will not go ahead in South Australia for the first time ever.

Weddings, funerals and baptisms will continue, provided the numbers attending do not exceed 100 people.

Adelaide Archdiocese Administrator Bishop Greg O’Kelly said the unprecedented move was necessary to help reduce the spread of coronavirus.

“This has been an extremely difficult decision and I am fully aware of the impact it will have on the faithful, particularly at this time of year,” he said.

“But I am also confident that all Catholics are committed to playing their part in slowing down the spread of the virus.

“We want to do what’s best for the health and wellbeing of the whole community, and protect the most vulnerable amongst us, especially our elderly and infirm.”

Bishop O’Kelly said priests and deacons would be available to visit individuals.

“We are exploring options for the faithful to continue to receive spiritual nourishment, such as live streaming Mass, as well as doing all we can to support the vulnerable and isolated,.” he said.

Influencers Church Pastor Josh Greenwood said a total of 7500 people attended services across six locations, including Paradise, each weekend.

“We have cancelled 15 or so services for youth, seniors and the general community and will be using state-of-art business software to allow interactivity for thousands of par-ishioners,” he said.

The Greek Orthodox Church announced its churches would be closed for individuals to worship.

However, services and ceremonies, such as the feast days of the saints, will continue. Funerals will be restricted to family members.

Anglican Archbishop Geoff Smith has asked his priests to continue Sunday services but ensure numbers do not exceed 100.

“Where parishes expect congregations of greater than 100 arrangements should be made for more gatherings of fewer people,” he said.

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Archbishop Smith said the community was entering a difficult time and needed spiritual support.

“I think we should try to keep Sunday services going in some form bearing in mind the advice on hygiene, social distancing, food handling,” he said.

“This is the time we should be open for business offering opportunity for connection, prayer, support and the gospel.

“Our churches need to be open and active to welcome people who might want to connect with God and community in this difficult time.”

Archbishop Smith said rather than suspending Sunday services, arrangements should be put in place “to continue in a form which takes seriously the capacity of churches to provide a safe environment”.

“That will vary from church to church,” he said.

Despite Archbishop Smith’s directive, one Anglican church based in the city, Holy Trinity, has decided to suspend services while others are investigating live streaming.

Uniting Church SA Moderator Bronte Wilson said services would continue but other options, like live streaming and group online chats, would be encouraged.

“We recognise the importance of worship services and pastoral care to the life of the church,” he said.

“Both are essential and we encourage congregations to continue these practices as much as possible, while considering alternative and creative ways of connecting with one another.”