Elsie Adamo
CHRISTMAS is an important time for local Christian church communities, and you may need to book in for mass this year.
As parishes prepare for Christmas services tomorrow, much like last year Covid-19 restrictions have had to be considered.
Many churches will be holding multiple services on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, along with their standard Sunday services on Boxing Day to ensure any people that do want to visit for worship services can do so.
While services still may look a little different to a standard year, Mount Gambier Catholic Parish’s Father Dean Marin said he hopes the community will enjoy the mass.
“There is a lot of organisation to make sure everything goes well,” Fr Dean said.
“It is a wonderful time, and you want to prepare well because you want the masses to go well and you want people to be together.“
Fr Dean said the church will be following all required Covid-19 protocols in services to ensure safety for community members.
“We have always done what we have been asked to do when it comes to the restrictions,” he said.
“Hopefully that will reassure people that we are doing the best we can to keep everybody safe, so people come and still not be anxious about coming to church.
“We have limits on numbers, the first mass will be the biggest one so people will have to book for that, with an extra one in the evening to cater for everybody.
“Hopefully people can come to church and feel comfortable because we are doing everything we are required to do.”
With Christmas being one of the church’s busiest period, Fr Dean said he had started thinking about his Christmas sermon early.
“I think of things I can share to get people thinking and reflecting, that is essentially what I try to do, tell the story and bring people together,” he said.
After another difficult year, Fr Dean is hoping the congregation will find solace in Christmas celebrations.
“We are not in an ideal situation, it never was or never will be, but God is here to lift us up,” he said.
“I just hope that people will go and worship in their own church, they do not have to come to my church, but any Christian church.
“I hope that people take the time to come together, and pray, and make room for the Lord at Christmas.”
Those interested can find details on their local Christmas services by contacting their local parish.
