Due to the public health crisis the 2020 celebration of the sacraments of First Holy Communion and Confirmation had to be deferred. In consultation with the schools we have set the following target dates for the celebration of these sacraments.

We wish the children, their parents, families and teachers every blessing as they look forward to welcoming the Lord into their lives through the sacraments.

Diocese of Killaloe Keeping Safe As We Gather

We will celebrate Mass in Kildysart cemetery at 8pm on Friday, 3 July. This is an opportunity for us to pray for all who are buried there and for our deceased parishioners, relatives and friends.

So that we can care for each other by respecting social distancing, it is suggested that each family stand by their family grave. We should also be careful not to gather in groups as we arrive for or depart from Mass.

May He support us all the day long

’till the shades lengthen and the evening comes,

and the busy world is hushed and the fever of life is over,

and our work is done.

Then in His mercy may He give us a safe lodging,

and a holy rest and peace at the last.    Amen

John Henry Newsman (1801-1890)

COVID 19 and the Resumption of Public Liturgy:

It is envisaged that the celebration of Mass with a congregation present will resume on 29 June, 2020. We look forward to onCe again gathering as a praying community.

The Irish Bishops have issued a detailed framework documents to help resume the celebration of public liturgies.
The principal points include the following:

• Each Church should appoint a group to oversee the safe return to public liturgy;
• The dispensation from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass is extended;
• Anyone who is unwell should not attend Mass but continue to take part through live-streaming;
• Adequate and appropriate signage should be displayed in each Church;
• Social distancing (at present 2 metres) will apply. This will considerably reduce the capacity of our churches;
• The seats which are available for use should be clearly indicated;
• Stewards may be necessary to guide people to the available seats;
• Holy Communion may only be received on the hand and reception of the chalice is suspended;
• Priests and Eucharistic ministers should wear face covering when distributing Holy Communion;
• Hand sanitisers should be installed and used at every Church entrance;
• Holy Water fonts should not be used;
• The collection basket should not be distrib
• Church doors should be open so that people do not need to touch them;
• Seats and other areas that are frequently touched should be cleaned after each time the church is used.

The Bishops stress that public health is paramount and only Churches which are able to fulfil the above requirements should resume the public celebration of liturgy.

If you would like to volunteer to assist with the preparations for the resumption of public Mass or act as a steward etc you are very welcome to contact our pastoral office.

The full text of the Bishops’ framework document may be found here.