Suspension of Masses and Closure of Church, St Joseph’s Riverwood

Dear parishioners and friends of St Joseph’s, Riverwood.

This message is to inform you of the implications for our parish of today’s (Monday 23 March 2020) announcement concerning increased restrictions on public gatherings. I will quote directly from Archbishop Fisher’s letter received at the parish at about 3pm.

Suspension of all public Masses and communal devotions from 12noon

“It is with heavy heart that I announce that following the new commonwealth and state restrictions on public places, all public Masses and other communal devotions, whether inside churches or outdoors, are suspended in the Archdiocese from Sydney from 12noon until further notice. From now on our focus must be on helping people find ways to pray and nurture their faith from home.”

Closure of churches

“Clarification has been received from government that, in New South Wales at least, all churches must be closed, even to private prayer.”

I will communicate further about what will happen with confessions, baptisms and funerals, but the Church for the most part must now remain closed.

Father John Doherty, parish priest

23 March 2020

Photos of the Church on Holy Thursday