Places of worship around Cessnock City are going the extra mile to make sure their parishioners are able to enjoy the tradition of attending church at Christmas, in a COVID-safe manner.
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Masks, hand sanitiser, check-in procedures and of course, social distancing, are among the measures being taken to keep parishioners safe this year.
The Anglican Parish of Cessnock is urging those wishing to attend this week's services at Cessnock and Millfield to book ahead to avoid disappointment.
"We're taking care of the community, even if the risk is very low," parish priest Robin Lewis-Quinn said.
"We can't be complacent.
"If we comply with the regulations, things will ease."
St John's Cessnock can hold about 68 people under the one person per two-square-metre rule, but it varies with the amount of household groups and individuals in attendance.
"If we reach capacity we'll have to say 'sorry, we're full' - which is not a thing a church would usually have to say - so it's really important to book," Reverend Lewis-Quinn said.
"Non-households still have to be 1.5 metres apart.
"It's a bit of a jigsaw puzzle."
Anyone aged 12 or over will be asked to wear a mask at the Anglican Parish services.
Along with Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services, St John's will also host a Blue Christmas service on Monday night (December 21) at 7pm. It is a quiet, meditative service for people who may find Christmas difficult due to grief, pain or isolation.
To RSVP for any of the services at St John's Cessnock or St Luke's Millfield (listed below), call 4991 4761 or email priestcessnock@gmail.com.
At the Anglican Parish of Mount Vincent, Kurri Kurri and Weston, bookings aren't required, but parishioners must check in using the Service NSW app.
For those wanting to enjoy a service from the comfort of home, Beyond Church Cessnock is holding its Christmas Day production online, via Facebook and Youtube.
Stay tuned to nsw.gov.au/covid-19 for updates on the restrictions for places of worship and religious gatherings.
CHRISTMAS CHURCH SERVICE TIMES
ANGLICAN PARISH OF CESSNOCK
St John's Cessnock: Monday, December 21, 7pm, Blue Christmas. Christmas Eve, 6pm, informal service (geared for the younger ones); 10pm, Eucharist. Christmas Day Eucharist, 8.30am.
St Luke's Millfield: Christmas Day Eucharist, 8am.
RSVP is essential on 4991 4761 or via priestcessnock@gmail.com.
ANGLICAN PARISH OF MOUNT VINCENT, KURRI KURRI AND WESTON
St Paul's Kurri Kurri: Christmas Eve, 5pm and 11.30pm.
St Mary's Weston: Christmas Day, 8.30am.
Christ Church Mount Vincent: Christmas Day, 10am.
No bookings required. QR code check-in at the door using Service NSW app. Call 4937 1061 for inquiries.
BEYOND CHURCH CESSNOCK
Christmas Day, 9.30am, online production via Facebook and Youtube.
CESSNOCK BAPTIST CHURCH
Christmas Day service, 9am. All welcome. Call 0407 450 428 or 0431 579 092 for inquiries.
KURRI KURRI CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
Christmas Day service, 9am.
Call 4937 1049 for inquiries.
ST JOSEPH'S CATHOLIC PARISH
Cessnock: Christmas Eve vigil, 5.30pm at St. Patrick's Primary School. Christmas Day service, 10.30am at St. Joseph's Cessnock.
Kurri Kurri/Abermain: Christmas Eve vigil, 7.30pm at Holy Spirit Church Kurri Kurri. Christmas Day service, 8.30am at St. Francis Xavier's Abermain.
Wollombi: Christmas Day service, 12pm at St. Michael's Wollombi.
Call 4990 1551 for inquiries.
Krystal Sellars
Krystal Sellars is the Senior Journalist at the Cessnock Advertiser. Born and raised in Cessnock, she started her journalism career at the Advertiser in 2006 after completing a Bachelor of Communication at the University of Newcastle. Contact her on krystal.sellars@cessnockadvertiser.com.au.
Krystal Sellars is the Senior Journalist at the Cessnock Advertiser. Born and raised in Cessnock, she started her journalism career at the Advertiser in 2006 after completing a Bachelor of Communication at the University of Newcastle. Contact her on krystal.sellars@cessnockadvertiser.com.au.
