General Guidelines for the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne

Last updated 16 September, 5pm

The following Guidelines are approved by Most Rev Peter A Comensoli, Archbishop of Melbourne, to assist Clergy and Faithful with questions pertaining to specific areas of liturgy and ministry in the Archdiocese of Melbourne during this time of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In response to the latest directives announced by Government as part of the proposed Roadmaps for the reopening of the Metropolitan and Regional areas of Victoria, the following will become operational for Regional Victoria only, from 11:59pm on 16 September, 2020.

REGIONAL VICTORIA

THIRD STEP

Curfew: not in place.

not in place. Leave Home : no restrictions on reasons to leave home or distance you can travel but stay safe. Travel allowed across all areas in the Third Step (except to areas with higher restrictions).

: no restrictions on reasons to leave home or distance you can travel but stay safe. Travel allowed across all areas in the Third Step (except to areas with higher restrictions). Public Gatherings: up to 10 people outdoors.

up to 10 people outdoors. Weddings: allowed with up to 10 people (including the couple and the two witnesses). The celebrant is not included in this number.

allowed with up to 10 people (including the couple and the two witnesses). The celebrant is not included in this number. Funerals: allowed with up to 20 people (infants under 12 months of age or people required to conduct the funeral not included in the limit).

allowed with up to 20 people (infants under 12 months of age or people required to conduct the funeral not included in the limit). Worship: outdoor religious gatherings for up to 10 people plus a faith leader; places of worship can open for private worship for households and people who are in a bubble together (up to five people).

outdoor religious gatherings for up to 10 people plus a faith leader; places of worship can open for private worship for households and people who are in a bubble together (up to five people). Visitors to the Home: create a ‘household bubble’ with one nominated household allowing up to 5 visitors from that household at a time (infants under 12 months of age are not included in the cap).

create a ‘household bubble’ with one nominated household allowing up to 5 visitors from that household at a time (infants under 12 months of age are not included in the cap). Work: Work from home if you can.

Work from home if you can. REVIEW: DHHS Victorian Roadmap for Regional Victoria

Face coverings remain mandatory for people aged 12 and over when outdoors and in indoor public spaces. This remains in place for ceremonies and livestreaming where applicable. Under no circumstances should anyone awaiting test verification, including Clergy (even without presenting symptoms) attend a church or parish setting until a diagnosis is confirmed. Additionally, under no circumstances should anyone attend who is closely connected to people who are awaiting test results or who have tested positive.

Caring for our community



Our health services and support are doing incredible work at present to bring care to those ill with COVID-19, and in protecting and caring for our most vulnerable and their families in aged-care, hospital and disability services. Please continue to keep them in your prayers at this time.