By now all Victorians are aware of the Chief Health Officers’ directions in relation to Covid-19 Mandatory Vaccination for workers.  What does this mean for our parishes?  It means that the parish is required to ensure that all those currently involved in parish ministries supply us with a vaccination record.  This requirement comes into effect from this weekend.  It means that all religious workers, that is, people (paid and volunteers) who work at or in connection with a place of worship will be subject to Mandatory Vaccination (Workers) Directions.

In order to assist us with this direction we are asking that all those involved in parish ministries send us a copy of their Covid-19 vaccination certificate.  In this way, we will be able to open up safely when the time comes in a couple of weeks.  We will be able to ensure that those who come to our Church are being ministered to in a safe environment.  Obviously, this private documentation will be treated with respect and will not be shared with anyone.  Having said that, Archbishop Hart has given me permission to tell you that his vaccination documentation was the first to land on my desk!  Thank you Archbishop Hart.

More information about how you can provide your documentation can be found here.

We will continue to keep you informed as to when and how our parishes will open up in the coming weeks.  No doubt QR codes and vaccination passports will be part of that landscape.  We are hoping that during November we will be able to celebrate the Sacraments of First Eucharist and Confirmation with our young parishioners who have been waiting for up to two years in some cases.

In the meantime, we will have our Combined Parishes Meeting this coming Sunday, commencing with the Liturgy of the Word at 10:30 am.   Please register if you would like to join us.

By Fr Brendan Reed

Information on Covid-19 Mandatory Vaccination