All weekend Masses to cease in Diocese

 

All weekend Masses will cease in the diocese of Kilmore until further notice, it has been announced.

The measure comes as the country attempts to stop the further spread of Covid-19 virus.

Already there have been sweeping changes to regular events, from schools and colleges as well as childcare facilities closing until March 29, to contingency plans being implemented among frontline services such as An Garda Siochana.

The halt on all weekend masses in the Diocese of Kilmore will continue until further notice.

All weekday Masses in the diocese of Kilmore will continue as usual however.

Baptisms, weddings and funerals continue in parishes will still go ahead, but in line with national guidelines on containing the virus, the numbers present in churches for these celebrations must not exceed 100.

In a statement issued this afternoon by Diocesan Administrator Liam Kelly, he said: “We are all anxious to play our part in controlling the spread of the virus and we are also anxious to support our parishioners spiritually and pastorally in what is a difficult and challenging time for people and priests. One of the key issues is how can we abide by the Government guidelines not to exceed 100 people in our churches at any given time? Another question was how can we continue to celebrate Mass and the other Sacraments in the light of that directive.”

Mons Kelly added that it was important that at weekend Masses that parishioners “offer prayers” for those who have coronavirus and their families, for the front-line medical people who are working so hard to curtail its spread, and for people who are feeling unduly fearful, lonely or isolated at this time etc. “At all weekday Masses it is important that the directives that you received regarding the use of Holy Water, the sign of peace, receiving Communion in the hand, the use of sanitisers etc are adhered to.”

He further stated in this regard that how funerals are celebrated is “vitally important”.

“The practice of sympathising by handshaking the bereaved family cannot take place during this period.”

Mons Kelly concluded: “We will keep you updated over the coming days and weeks. Stay safe and well and keep up the prayers.”

 

READ MORE: https://www.anglocelt.ie/news/roundup/articles/2020/03/12/4187223-further-advice-from-bishops-in-response-to-covid19/