Stay Connected - Online Resources to Help During Isolation

LET'S KEEP IN TOUCH
This section of our website includes suggestions for prayer and other sites to visit.  From this section, you can also access daily Mass from the Cathedral. There is also a link to the Archdiocesan newspaper “The Catholic Leader” which is currently available (in an online version) for free.
​What is a Dispensation from Mass?
A dispensation from the diocesan Bishop releases Catholics from fulfilling their Sunday obligation (Mass). Since public Masses are cancelled in the Archdiocese until further notice, this means that the right thing to do is to stay home for your safety and the safety of others. Though there is a sadness for not being able to participate at Mass, one should not feel guilty for not going to Mass. You have a free conscience to stay home.

LOOKING AFTER YOUR MENTAL HEALTH WHILE SELF-ISOLATING
Feeling worried or struggling to cope during the coronavirus pandemic?  Our Stay Connected section contains a number of resources and links to agencies  to help you manage your wellbeing and mental health during this time.
  1. Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Service of Beyond Blue - coronavirus.beyondblue.org.au
    The Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Service is available 24/7 at coronavirus.beyondblue.org.au. Its dedicated phone line, staffed by mental health professionals briefed on the pandemic response, is now open on 1800 512 348.  Beyond Blue’s existing support service will continue to operate alongside the new service. The Beyond Blue Support Service is available via phone 24/7 on 1300 22 4636 or via beyondblue.org.au/get-support for online chat (3PM – 12AM AEST or email responses within 24 hours).

  2. Domestic Violence Help – Queensland  www.qld.gov.au/community/getting-support-health-social-issue/support-victims-abuse/domestic-family-violence
    ​
  3. Aged Care  www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert/coronavirus-covid-19-advice-for-the-health-and-aged-care-sector

What Could I do if I Can't Go to Mass on Sunday?

​You might want to make a ‘spiritual communion’.
St. John Paul II writes that “it is good to cultivate in our hearts a constant desire for the sacrament of the Eucharist. This was the origin of the practice of ‘spiritual communion’, which has happily been established in the Church for centuries and recommended by saints who were masters of the spiritual life. Saint Teresa of Jesus wrote: ‘When you do not receive communion and you do not attend Mass, you can make a spiritual communion, which is a most beneficial practice; by it the love of God will be greatly impressed on you.’” (Ecclesia Eucharistia, no. 34) Catholics in the archdiocese are also encouraged to watch our local TV Sunday Mass. The Mass airs every Sunday at 10:

How Do I Make a Spiritual Communion?
Below are recommendations for how to make a ‘spiritual communion’ when unable to participate in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. The recommendations can be adapted based upon personal and family needs.
  • Gather with others in your household and begin a time of prayer with the sign of the cross.
  • Take time to read and reflect upon the readings from Sunday Mass. You can find the readings in the newsletter.
  • Share prayer intentions quietly or aloud.
  • Pray the Lord’s Prayer.
  • Pray the Prayer in time of Crisis or Pope Francis’ prayer below
  • Close with the sign of the cross.

We are all now becoming familiar with the term “social distancing,” which is a necessary way to be for now. However, it seems to me, even at this distance we need to find ways to “come together,” and care for one another, and not be isolated from one another. So, we might find times to check in on one another, or if we are in need, not be afraid to give someone a call for a chat, and hear a friendly voice. So, in the gift and grace of the Holy Spirit, let’s be care-full of one another, even in the midst of these anxious time. Peace be with you. Fr David