WORSHIPPERS will be able to return to church from today, but Ballarat's religious institutions are asking parishioners to book ahead if they wish to visit their churches in the short-term.
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Eased restrictions which came into effect from 11.59pm on Tuesday night are allowing churches to reopen for gatherings of up to 20 people plus one faith leader.
Outdoor religious gatherings and ceremonies will be allowed to increase to 50 plus one faith leader, proximate to the place of worship.
Ballarat's religious organisations are planning different openings throughout the week.
The Catholic Diocese of Ballarat will open St Patrick's Cathedral this morning for mass at 10am, but the mass will not be open to the public and once the congregation is in, the doors will be closed until the end of the service.
Worshippers will be asked to phone ahead if they wish to attend weekend mass.
Father Kevin Maloney said there was no doubt people were looking forward to returning.
"I think there's a lot of people looking forward to getting back to church," Fr Kevin said.
"Most people also recognise the need to be safe and careful, it's important as a lot of people are missing the spiritual, but mostly religious part of their life."
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Ballarat's Anglican cathedral will remain closed until the weekend as to tick off its COVID-safe plan.
The Cathedral at this stage plans to reopen on Sunday morning for an 8am services, followed by a 10am service.
People will also need to call ahead if they wish to attend mass.
Ballarat Uniting Church will continue to stream its services online including today's Wednesday 2pm service.
Reverend Lauleti Tu'inauvai said the afternoon service would be made available online, but if some worshippers wished to come in and listen to the service, or conduct their own private prayer, they would be able to do so provided they call ahead.
"We will definitely be here for the people who want to come for special prayer," Reverend Lauleti said
"If people wish to come in and sit in the church, we will organise for someone to be here for them."
Worshippers wishing to visit Ballarat's Mosque are encouraged to call ahead and check on plans for reopening.
