Celebrating the Eucharist
Last weekend saw the long awaited return of people attending Sunday Mass in person at St James. Although Government health guidelines have relaxed some restrictions further there is still a requirement to have a density limit (1 person per 2 sqm), electronic record keeping (e.g. Trybooking) and a Covid-Safe plan to maintain a Covid Safe environment for our Masses. The density limit for the Paulist Centre permits a maximum of 300 people.
Weekend Masses—Important Updates to Process
Bookings for weekend Masses continues. However there have been some changes due to the increased number of people now permitted to attend religious services.
The special additional Mass organised for 4pm Sat has been cancelled.
There will only be one Mass on Sat 26 Dec at the normal 6pm time.
The restriction of only booking seats at one Mass every 2 weeks has been removed. You may now book for each weekend, subject to availability.
Booking for Masses during the weekend of the 19/20 Dec and 26/27 Dec will open at 2:00 pm Sunday 13 Dec.
Bookings will now close two hours before the start of each Mass.
Weekend Mass will continue to be available online from the Parish website.
How to Make a Booking
Bookings for Christmas and weekend Masses can be made online at:
https://www.trybooking.com/BJPOT
(Link is available on the parish Facebook page and website.)
If unable to book online you can book through the Parish Office.
You will receive a confirmation email after successfully making a booking. If you do not receive a confirmation email, check your junk or spam folders. If unsure please email the Parish Office [email protected] and ask them to confirm your booking has been recorded.
In consideration of your fellow parishioners, if you cannot attend a Mass you have booked please cancel your booking so your seats can be released to others who would like to attend. Click on the link found at the bottom of your booking confirmation email to ‘return your tickets’.
Weekend Mass will continue to be available online from the Parish website.
Attending Mass During Covid Times
- No one will be allowed entry without a booking
- Wear a face mask. In order to maximise the number of people that can attend Mass, face masks are required due to the increased density.
- Arrive early to allow time to check in and take your seat. The check in desk opens 20 minutes before Mass commences.
- Follow the directions of volunteers and adhere to designated seating arrangements and physical distancing requirements. Only members of the same household may sit in a row together.
- Parishioners are not to congregate around the entrance before or after Mass
Receiving Holy Communion
- Wear your mask while maintaining 1.5m distance in the queue
- Receive the Host in the hand while wearing the mask – hands to be flat and outstretched away from your body
- Take 3 steps to the side away from the Priest (or Minister)
- Remove one side of the of the mask and place the Host in your mouth
- Reposition the mask and return to your seat