Churches are finding ways to keep the faithful connected with Catholic masses suspended across Victoria as part of measures to control the spread of coronavirus.
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This comes in response to the federal government announcing that non-essential gatherings should be limited to less than 100 people to ensure public safety.
In a statement the Bishops of Victoria encouraged people to participate in Mass online at http://bit.ly/MassOnDemand or https://melbournecatholic.org.au/Mass or www.wordonfire.org/daily-mass)
Harvest Church Horsham Senior Pastor Andrew said their 10.30am Sunday service would be streamed online at harvestchurch.org.au and welcomed parishoners to worship in their own homes.
"The ability to still gather together, even virtually is important to keep our eyes focussed on faith rather than fear," he said. "We are still working it all out but we also live streamed services last weekend."
Parishoner Jami Smith said streaming church services was a great opportunity for people who had never attended to "try it out".
"(Harvest Church) has organised a live chat function so people can ask questions, which would be answered by leaders in our Church group," she said.
Horsham Church of Christ Senior Pastor Simon Risson said that they would stream all services and encouraged their community to support each other, especially with people choosing to self isolate and gatherings being cancelled.
"We're really keen to see small groups stay connected," he said.
"It is important for our life and for our faith."
Parishoner Betty Smith said she and her husband Bob has been in self isolation for a week due to his health issues and missed going to Church.
"But we are so Blessed that we have so much support from our Church family and my life group," she said. "With their assistance, whether that be by praying or texting or dropping off food when needed, we never feel alone.
"There are always messages coming in to remind us of God's love covering us."
Mrs Smith said the Church offered podcasts that they could listen to.
"They have also been emailing us to keep us in the loop as to what's on and they send out texts for prayer requests."
Ararat Church of Christ Pastor Tony Llewllyn said services would continue as normal but would also be streamed online from next Sunday.
"We are asking people if they are sick to stay home, even if they do not have coronavirus," he said.
How are you coping with self isolation during the coronavirus pandemic?
- For information on COVID-19, please go to the ACT Health website or federal Health Department's website.
- You can also call the Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080
- If you have serious symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, call Triple Zero (000)
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Eliza Berlage
Eliza Berlage made the move to Horsham to report for the Wimmera Mail-Times in October 2019. Originally from Sydney, she has a sociology background and spent two years working in the press gallery in Canberra.
Eliza Berlage made the move to Horsham to report for the Wimmera Mail-Times in October 2019. Originally from Sydney, she has a sociology background and spent two years working in the press gallery in Canberra.
