Dear friends, colleagues and supporters in ministry,
The health crisis we currently face presents a serious threat to many in our communities. Much has been announced in the last week that will affect the way we minister with you, and young people as Catholic Youth Parramatta over the coming months.
On reflection, it reinforces the basis for Eucharist and placing ourselves, and our lives into the hands of God, just as Jesus did in the upcoming Passion.
Whilst we can do all in our power to encourage good hygiene and social distancing when we gather together, it’s also important that as the young Church of Western Sydney, we lead the way in standing with our more vulnerable members of the community. They’re counting on us to help ‘flatten the curve’ of infection.
With this in mind, and with all the recommendations that have been made to us, the popular Palm Sunday Procession and Good Friday Night Walk will not be taking place in 2020. We will continue to keep you updated on future programs as the weeks progress.
We also encourage you to take precautionary steps at a local level in your own planning of youth ministry initiatives. Remember to follow the advice of your Parish Team and be understanding and compassionate in regards to the decisions they will make with you. We would also welcome your suggestions on how we re-think and re-imagine our ministry together during this time.
The Easter season brings us hope! Catholic Youth Parramatta will be turning our entire attention to some exciting digital and online resources we’ve been developing for many years. Inevitably they’ve taken a ‘back seat’ to our ever growing ‘face to face’ initiatives.
We look forward to fast tracking these and other resources to you as soon as possible.
James Camden
Director, Catholic Youth Parramatta.
