COVID-19 Advice from the Archdiocese

A message from the Archdiocese

At this point, health authorities have said that the risk of public exposure to the COVID-19 is low, especially if they have not traveled to one of the affected areas, nor had contact with someone who has. The Archdiocese will continue to monitor the Government's health advice.

Across the Church in Australia, and in the Archdiocese of Sydney in particular, there are as yet no mandated precautions beyond the common sense rule that people should stay home if they think they might be sick or infectious.

Ministers of Holy Communion should wash their hands with soap or hand wash before distributing the Body of Christ. 

Parishioners who further wish to minimize the risk of transmission are also free to:

- Not put fingers in the holy water stoop

- Not shake hands at the Sign of the Peace

- Not to receive Holy Communion on the tongue (but only in the hand)

- Not to receive Holy Communion from the Chalice


Free hand sanitizer at Ryde Gladesville

From this weekend, free hand sanitizer will be available at the entrances of both churches for parishioners to use. We ask that parishioners make use of this when entering and leaving the church.

Parishioners may also wish to bring along their own small bottles of hand sanitizer.


Here are some general prevention tips from the World Health Organisation (WHO)

- Avoid frequent close contact with people suffering from acute respiratory infections

- Wash hands frequently, especially after direct contact with ill people or their environment

- Practice prevention etiquette (cover cough and sneezes with your elbow, tissues, or clothing, wash hands with soap and running water for at least 20 seconds, and keep away from people who are ill)