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.