16TH SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME

St Gertrude’s Parish Smithfield
See Mass Times Here
Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney COVID-19 Safety Plan for Our Parish to maintain a safe environment for you.
Seating arrangements for our Parish are as follows:
St Benedict’s Shrine – Smithfield:
Seating for up to 140 persons.

St Therese Church – Fairfield West:
Seating for up to 50 persons.

Montefano Hall – Smithfield:
Seating for up to 90 persons

◇ Contact Tracing: Write your name and contact details on the sheets provided at the doors of
St Benedict’s Shrine, St Therese Church and the Montefano Hall.
◇ Hand Sanitiser: Use the hand sanitiser at the doors of both churches and the Montefano Hall. This is essential.
◇ Sanitising the church: After each service, the Churches and Montefano Hall are sanitised using commercial grade disinfectant detergent.
◇ Seating: Sit in the allocated seating. In both the Churches there is an ‘X’ marked on the Pews and in the Montefano Hall chairs placed at social distancing for you to be seated safely. Please ONLY sit where the Pew is marked. People living in the same household may sit together in the Pews.
◇ Confession: Confession times have resumed. Again, please only sit on the Pews with the ‘X’.
◇ Sign of Peace – with a nod, bow, smile, or wave. No physical contact.
◇ Receiving of Holy Communion: The recommended way of receiving Holy Communion is on the hand. People are advised about distancing and procedures when coming to receive Holy Communion.
◇ Plan Giving & Collections: At ALL Masses, there are two boxes at the doors of the church for 1st and 2nd Collection. You can place your offering as you enter or leave the church. Alternatively, you may wish to make use of electronic transfer. Details are in the bulletin. Thank you for your continued support of your Parish and your priests.
◇ Limiting exposure: Health guidelines encourage us not to remain for unnecessary amounts of time in groups. It is essential to maintain social distancing.
◇ At Risk Persons: According to recommendations those at risk – (those over 70 years of age, those with any symptoms, those with compromised immune or respiratory systems), are asked to consider carefully your health and safety when considering attending a Church Service.
If you show any symptoms, please refrain from attending church services at this time.
The dispensation from Sunday Mass is still in place by the Archbishop.
However, in his latest Pastoral letter the Archbishop states that “those who are at low risk of infection and able ….. are exhorted to take all reasonable steps to attend Sunday Mass.”
Fr Jarek Zan:
Parish Priest