Churches and schools across South East Queensland and Northern New South Wales are cancelling Masses and events ahead of the landfall of Cyclone Alfred expected today or Saturday. Source: Catholic Leader.
Parishioners are being urged to check their local parishes for updates on church closures as the situation unfolds.
The Bureau of Meteorology has reported this morning Cyclone Alfred has taken a slower-than-expected path to landfall, which has delayed the crossing to today or tomorrow morning.
The slowing down has meant more time for dangerous and damaging waves to cause further coastal erosion and inundation in low-lying areas on the foreshore.
A gradual increase in winds and rain is expected across southern Queensland and northern NSW today.
St Stephen’s Cathedral, Brisbane, has shut after yesterday’s 8am Mass until at least Saturday.
In his homily, Cathedral Dean Fr Anthony Mellor said it was an unusual start to Lent with a cyclone looming but “even in the midst of the greatest storms of life, God can turn our hearts to love and mercy and compassion”.
“At the moment, even though Alfred isn’t too far away, it’s very still,” he said.
“We’re sensing the calm before the storm, and perhaps if the models are correct, the eye will pass right over us here in Brisbane, another moment of stillness while the storm rages around.
“Prayer is that call to stillness in the midst of the great winds and cycles of life.
“Prayer won’t make the cyclone disappear or vanish, but it will give us a sense of hope and trust that God is with us in all the great storms of life.”
Brisbane Catholic Education released a statement announcing schools in the Brisbane, Gold Coast, Ipswich, Lockyer Valley, Logan, Moreton Bay, Noosa, Redlands, Scenic Rim and Sunshine Coast local government areas would be closed on Thursday and Friday.
Brisbane’s annual Rite of Election set for Saturday at St Stephen’s Cathedral has also been cancelled.
Archdiocesan Ministries has also cancelled its Encounter Youth Groups for Friday and an Encounter Catholic Kids day with the Latin American Catholic Community on the weekend.
FULL STORY
Churches, schools, ministries announcing closures as emergency services prepare for Cyclone Alfred (By Joe Higgins, The Catholic Leader)
