...from a Distance of 1.5m. A primary concern for us as we open our Church in the parish is, of course, people’s safety. As we resume public Masses, we have made sure that we comply with the Health and Safety Guidelines asked of us by the State Government and the Archdiocese. I would like to make it clear for your information that these guidelines have resulted in two possible plans. One plan, which is less restrictive, would only allow us to continue to offer mass together with the smallest of numbers. The other plan, Industry COVID Safe Plan for Places of Worship, which we have chosen to follow, enables a larger number of people to participate in Mass based on the social distancing measurement rules. This option allows 80 people to register in advance for each weekend masses at St. Mary Mackillop’s Parish. Only those who register may come to the nominated Mass. This number is reduced by the fact that we have to ensure there is 4 square metre rule and 1.5 metre distancing rule per person. We have divided the St. Mary Mackillop’s church, Birkdale into 4 zones 4 zones - A, B, C, D. Each zone has 20 seats. It is essential that you make an advance booking if you wish to attend weekend Masses.

It is mandatory that the contact details of attendees and staff are recorded at the outset of the gathering and that the contact lists are retained for at least 56 days and provided to Queensland Health if needed for the purposes of contact tracing. This contact lists should be made for each group of up to 20 people.

Door Marshals- We are in need of volunteers who can handle parishioners tactfully while ensuring we comply with our obligations. Must be under 70 years of age (Government & Archdiocese mandate) and be able to check people in quickly while collecting their contact information. We also need cleaners to help sanitise each section after churches have been used. If you are able to assist, please email or phone the Parish office with your details or let me know.

Thank you for your patience and understanding with these Government Protocols as we try to create safe and prayerful liturgies. Due to COVID we are not currently able to have collections during Mass. A collection box will be available at the entrance before and after Mass for envelopes and loose change.

This weekend we celebrate the solemnity of the Holy Trinity, the feast of the Triune God manifested in three persons, the Father, Son and the Spirit. In our practice of Christian Life, the Trinity is remembered often in prayer and throughout the daily routine by every Christian. Each time we make the sign of the cross, as we do at the beginning of Mass, we say: “In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” Even though we remember the Trinity several times a day, as we invoke the divine presence before we begin any activity; it is difficult to comprehend the full meaning because the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit we acknowledge constitute a great Mystery. Our God is a Trinity, a God of love and forgiveness.

The teaching about the Trinity is one of the most fundamental doctrines in our Christian faith yet not explicitly explained in the Bible. We have only limited Biblical passages to support that in the fullness of God, there are three distinct persons with specific attributes. Jesus in His teaching calls God Abba, Father and He teaches the disciples also to address Him in the same way. Jesus also speaks of the Spirit as His advocate and His oneness with Him. 

​In our understanding of the Trinity, specific roles however are attributed to them. Namely, Father as the Creator, Son as the Redeemer and the Holy Spirit as the Sanctifier. The feast of the Most Holy Trinity is a mystery that one does not fully understand. Our faith tells us that these three persons are indeed distinct and yet united. If in our practice of faith there are no other words remembered that the names of Father, Son and the Spirit then this Trinity is all that is needed for us to fully live our Christian life.

​Blessings,
Fr. Dantus Thottathil.