Further advice from Bishops in response to COVID-19

 

All non-essential pastoral gatherings including meetings and Confirmations have been cancelled.

It follows further advice published on behalf of the Irish Episcopal Conference taking into consideration the recommendations concerning Covid-19 issued by the Irish government, to come in force from 6pm today.

The restrictions will remain in place until March 29 at least.

“It is likely that these restrictions will continue for some time after that, and instructions regarding the celebration of Holy Week will be issued in due course,” a spokesperson said.

The motivation for these new restrictive measures is a “sense of care for the common good” and especially for those “most vulnerable”, the Church says. “Each Christian community should be acutely aware of the responsibility to care for those who are most at risk. For example, even where it may not be appropriate to visit the elderly, a simple telephone call to enquire about their needs could mean so much to them.”

The restrictions announced include a ban on all non-essential pastoral gatherings and meetings, such as formation gatherings, retreats and seminars are cancelled.

All Confirmations are postponed until further notice.

“Every Catholic is entitled to a dignified Christian burial,” the Church adds, but attendance at Funeral services and Masses should be limited to close relatives, and must not exceed 100 attendees within the church building.

Similarly, Church weddings and baptisms may be celebrated on condition that the attendance in church does not exceed 100 people.

“In these difficult and uncertain times, people find strength, consolation and hope in prayer. Churches should remain open for prayer each day.”

They add: “In the current emergency situation, all are dispensed from the obligation to physically attend Sunday Mass. Parishes should inform parishioners of the local possibilities to participate in Mass via local radio and online. It may be possible for some parishes to facilitate attendance at Mass while still observing the health authority’s limit of 100 people.”