LOCAL Catholics are adapting to the unprecedented and difficult circumstances that we are all living in. In the past few weeks, Macleay Valley Catholic Parish has developed a number of initiatives to help parishioners and the community stay connected with the parish and each other.
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"Although our church buildings are closed we have developed a number of ways to ensure that while the nature of our ministry has changed, it is not ended." parish Priest Father James Foster said.
"We are all united in our desire to uphold the dignity of each person's life, supporting and protecting the health and well-being of all.
"We are seeking to go to a whole new level of looking after ourselves and each other, and continually pray for those suffering from the virus, those who have died from the virus and their grieving families.
"In the months ahead we need to be there for each other. A practical example is how many parishioners are keeping phone and email contact with those isolated in their homes.
"The church is all of us together, we are a family, and those bonds continue no matter where we are physically. It has certainly been a Lent like no other and none of us could have imagined the sacrifices we need to make and the opportunities that exist to help others.
"Through all of this we can and will become better people. This Easter we especially need to take to heart at this time Jesus' repeated words to his disciples after his resurrection, 'Peace be with you' (John 20:19).
"No matter what happens in the months ahead, presuming we remain healthy and well, myself and our parish office team will continue to be here serving and journeying with the community."
In an effort to keep in contact with each other, the parish has developed a number of lines of communication which it hopes people can engage with. This includes the Parish Facebook page including live streaming of Sunday Mass and the Easter ceremonies; weekly email to parishioners, weekly updates to the website which includes the weekly newsletter and resources to help people in their spiritual lives; and weekly parish newsletters are available on the external doors of the church.
The parish also made a DVD of Easter Sunday Mass which was delivered to a number of parishioners without internet access.
Similar to initiatives in various parts of the world, the parish has also invited parishioners to provide a photo of themselves and family, along with their names, which will be placed on the pews of the Kempsey Church. Each day when Fr James offers Mass and other prayers in the church he is remembering each person by name.
