The impact of COVID-19 on the life of the Cathedral cannot be understated. We have had to adjust our usual life in a number of ways to allow for the safety of our parishioners and the broader community, and each of those adjustments has had consequences.
One of the major changes we have introduced concerns the use of music during our celebration of Mass. Essentially the 5.30 pm Saturday evening Mass and the 5 pm Sunday evening Mass have been music free since churches were allowed to reopen for the celebration of Mass, while the 9.30 am Sunday morning Mass, which has been presided over by Bishop Bill and live-streamed, has modified its musical content in a number of ways across the intervening months.
Regrettably, the decision has now been taken to once again change the way music is used during the 9.30 am Mass. This decision has been taken on the basis of the latest information received from the NSW Chief Health Officer.
With effect from Sunday 23 August, singing during the 9.30 am Mass will cease. There will be instrumental music during the processions within the celebration of Mass, and a solo singer may sing during the Communion procession from a safe location within the Cathedral. We regret that this decision is necessary but the current circumstances leave us very little option.
As a result of this decision, please note the following additional changes that will also begin with effect from Sunday 23 August:
- When the presider reaches his chair, everyone will join in reciting the Entrance Antiphon.
- The Responsorial Psalm will be read, with everyone joining in the refrain while the reader leads the verses.
- The Gospel Acclamation will be omitted.
- The Communion Antiphon will be recited by everyone immediately after the presider receives Communion.