Cllr slams delay of communions and confirmations

“We’re going by what the scientists are saying, they have all the information"- Fr Hannon

A local councillor has hit out at this summer's apparent cancellation of communions and confirmations.

Cllr Sarah O'Reilly accused the government of displaying a "shocking level of disrespect" towards church leaders after Tanaiste Leo Varadkar's seemingly off the cuff remark that "they're off, unfortunately" when asked about impending Holy Communions and Confirmations.

"I am especially sorry for the children who are preparing for this special occasion and for their families for whom this sudden decision was a bolt from the blue," said the local Aontú politician and former Cathaoirleach of Cavan County Council.

“It is difficult for people to understand why Mass for 50 people receiving communion is acceptable and why Mass for 50 people, some receiving communion for the first is not acceptable. It does seem a very strange piece of scientific gymnastics. If we are to believe sacraments 'are off' because of the fear of family gatherings and parties, then why would the government increase the number of people attending weddings where there is a greater chance that guidelines would be more relaxed!"

She added: "The Sacraments are not events and should not be treated as such, they are acts of communal worship and Government have no business telling parish communities what liturgies they may celebrate."

A prominent Waterford priest, Fr Michael Toomey made national headlines when reportedly claiming he would proceed with the sacraments as planned regardless of Deputy Varadkar's statement.

The Anglo-Celt has sought comment from the Bishop of Kilmore, Martin Hayes on the issue, however a response has not yet been received. The Anglo-Celt understands priests in the diocese were informed yesterday by email that sacraments will not proceed.

Communions and confirmations were due to take place in Arva on July 10 and 11, but are now postponed, Fr Donald Hannon confirmed to the Celt. The Arva priest believes more consultation between state and clergy should take place before such decisions are made.

“No one consulted us at all, there was no consultation of the priests on the ground.”

He added that the consensus within Government is that parties after ceremonies is causing Covid-19 to spread.

Fr Hannon thinks it is possible to have sacramental ceremonies, whilst stating we must “reduce the parties afterwards to smaller numbers”.

“It’s the only way forward, we have no control over what happens after the church ceremonies.”

Father Hannon said they are going by the advice given to them.

“We’re going by what the scientists are saying, they have all the information.

“We have no information apart from no one here has the virus in the school or in the Arva area,” the priest claimed to the best of his knowledge.

If the go ahead from the Government and NPHET is received, he said communions and confirmations could take place in September or October, but would certainly be held “as soon as they're allowed”.

“We’re going by what we’re reading in the papers, most people are in the dark,” Fr Hannon concluded.