Latest Coronavirus Updates for Parishes

Update

4th December

For clarity following last evening’s updated Covid-19 guidance, Religious Services in Places of Worship are unchanged regarding capacity, with all other protective measures in place to ensure the safety of the congregation.

Likewise, there are no changes to attendance at funeral services; however, any post-funeral service gatherings must comply with hospitality rules including no multiple table bookings.

With regard to wakes in private homes, general advice on household mixing is 3 other households (4 in total) applies.

Update

25th November

Please see the below link to the latest version of HSE Covid guidance for religious services, especially funerals.

COVID_religious settings.pdf (hpsc.ie)

Update

21st October

Further clarification has been received from Government regarding the announcement on Tuesday that from Friday October 22nd,

**“ religious services and weddings can proceed without capacity limits but with all other protective measures remaining in place”.**

The update from Government provides the following commentary:

This is a very positive measure, however it is imperative that all other Covid-19 protective measures remain in place in order to protect all members of our communities/congregations.

Premises should be well ventilated, hand sanitiser should be provided, Places of Worship should continue to use separate entry and exit routes, and face masks should be worn. Congregations should be encouraged to spread out as much as possible when attending Places of Worship and those experiencing any Covid-19 symptoms should be discouraged from attending.

As the capacity of Places of Worship and numbers attending varies greatly, the onus will be on each Place of Worship and community to consider what they are comfortable with and what best suits their congregation. This will be particularly relevant for funerals/special ceremonies, with large congregations in attendance. Attendees on these occasions should not be permitted to stand in the aisles or doorways and hand-shaking and the use of condolence books/sharing of Booklets etc should continue to be avoided.

Choirs or soloists performing in Places of Worship should be limited in line with the size/capacity of the venue, and should adhere to 2 metre social distance from other singers, the choir master, the congregation and any other individuals in the setting (as they will not be wearing face masks during performances).

Update

19th October

Issued by the Government Press Office – 19th October 2021

COVID-19: Reframing the Challenge, Continuing our Recovery & Reconnecting

Today, following public health advice, Government has agreed that the remaining aspects of the hospitality, entertainment and night-time economy sector can reopen only with the full range of protective measures in place and the wide and robust implementation of the COVID-19 pass. This will allow us to move forward carefully with Ireland’s plan for the next phase of our response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

COVID-19 infection rates are once again increasing along with hospitalisation and ICU admissions. However, thanks to the hard work and exceptional support of the Irish people for the Vaccination Programme, we are in a position to continue our careful and gradual approach to re-opening.

We will need to continue to monitor the ongoing risk from the disease and, including through testing and contact tracing as appropriate.

We will all need to take steps individually and collectively in our everyday lives to keep this risk under control, in particular by:

acting fast, isolating and getting tested if we have symptoms;
wearing our face coverings where appropriate;
making sure that indoor spaces are well ventilated;
maintaining adequate social distancing whenever appropriate; and
covering our coughs and sneezes and keeping our hands clean.

From October 22:

In line with public health advice, the remaining aspects of the hospitality, entertainment and night-time economy sector can reopen only with the full range of protective measures in place and the wide and robust implementation of the COVID-19 pass. The further easing of restrictions planned for 22nd October can proceed with the extension of some non-pharmaceutical interventions including use of COVID-19 pass (as set out below) in light of the high level of disease in the community at this point in time and the uncertain trajectory of the disease.

Protective measures include:

Requirement for COVID-19 pass (vaccine or recovery certificate) for indoor hospitality and events;
Social distancing;
Face masks (can be removed for consumption of food or alcohol as appropriate);
Table service only in hospitality settings (max of 10 adults per table, and max 15 including children);
Collection of contact tracing data;
For indoor live music, drama, live entertainment and sporting events audience/spectators should be fully seated (standing permitted at your seat);
Specific sectoral guidance will be developed for nightclubs setting out appropriate protective measures. This will involve COVID-19 passes, contact tracing data collection and wearing of facemasks except when eating, drinking and dancing;
COVID-19 passes and fixed capacity limits will not apply for outdoor events. However, sectors should ensure appropriate protective measures are in place;
Organisers of indoor and outdoor group activities should ensure that appropriate protective measures are in place, and where indoor groups have a mix of vaccinated and unvaccinated people indoors, pods of 6 should apply. Fixed capacity limits will not apply to these indoor and outdoor group activities;
Religious services and weddings can proceed without capacity limits but with all other protective measures remaining in place; and
Return to workplaces will continue on a phased and cautious basis for specific business requirements.

Sector-specific guidance and protocols, including with regard to work, hospitality, cultural and sporting events will be reviewed and strengthened where appropriate. Compliance activities will be reinforced by relevant bodies, and through wider public and stakeholder communications. A meeting of the Regulator’s Forum will be convened to discuss further with relevant Departments and Agencies.

Update

6th September 2021

Please click on the image below for the latest guidance for Places of Worship issued on the 6th of September from the HSE

Update

3rd September 2021

Dear All,

Further to the recent Government announcement regarding the next and final phase of response to the pandemic: COVID-19 – Reframing the Challenge, Continuing Our Recovery and Reconnecting (www.Gov.ie), please see updates below in respect of Religious/Civil Services/Ceremonies which has been sent out by the protocol section of the Department of the Taoiseach.

From 6^th September

Religious/Civil Ceremonies

Religious services and ceremonies (for example Baptisms, First Communions, Confirmations, Weddings & Funerals) can proceed with 50% of venue capacity, regardless of immunity status of attendees.

(Subject to appropriate protective measures including social distancing as much as possible, hand sanitising, face masks etc).

All other measures designed to minimise necessary physical interaction during services should be maintained.

From 22^nd October

Religious/Civil Ceremonies

Based on the criteria of at or close to 90% of people 16 or over being fully vaccinated in the coming weeks, and having regard to the incidence and behaviour of the disease at that time, the Government will remove further statutory restrictions from 22nd of October.

The HSE Covid-19 Guidance for Places of Worship will be updated and we will forward this link to you as soon as received. I will be in touch with any further updates as we move through this phase.

Kind regards,

+Dermot Farrell,

Archbishop of Dublin

Update

30th June 2021

Dear Father,

The advice regarding religious ceremonies published by Government late this afternoon was as follows:

“It is advised that religious ceremonies such as Baptisms, First Holy Communions and Confirmations should not take place at this time. Further advice will follow on the resumption of ceremonies when it is safe to do so”.

I ask parishes to follow this advice in regard to the celebration of the sacraments of First Holy Communion and Confirmation.

Where there are strong pastoral reasons to celebrate the Sacrament of Baptism, the family requesting it should be asked to confirm in writing the need to observe current public health guidelines.

With kind regards,

+Dermot Farrell

Archbishop of Dublin

Update

13th May 2021

Dear Father,

For the first time since Christmas, Masses in our parishes will be celebrated with a congregation on Sunday with proper safety protocols observed amid the coronavirus pandemic. What many Catholics lamented was the loss of the community dimension of our faith and its human dimension. There is no Church without community; our humanity is at the heart of Our faith. Just as the Saviour is truly human and truly divine, so the People of God need to be in communion with each other, and in communion with their Lord (see ICor 10:16—17). We don’t often reflect on these things; we don’t have to. But when they’re taken away almost overnight, we naturally wonder what is happening, and what is happening to us. Of course, people were grateful for the televised celebrations, as well as Masses on webcams from churches near and far.

The driving force behind this ‘virtual’ participation in the Eucharistic liturgy is clear, but online

Masses and spiritual Communion are only a partial reflection of our common experience of the Church, both past and present. We must pray intensely that we will see full return to public celebration of the Eucharist and of the other sacraments at the earliest possible date.

The Government and HSE Guidelines and public health advice are given to respond in the best possible way to an unforeseen and complex situation and for the common good.

I would ask each parish to have stewards in place who are fully briefed on the key safety protocols:

social distancing at all times
maximum numbers permitted in each section and in church overall
face coverings
arrangements for receiving Holy Communion
sanitizing on entering and exiting the church
only the cantor sings (and at a distance from all other people)
no congregating outside the church door or in the grounds

Take measures to ensure that the maximum number permitted in the church is not exceeded due to a large gathering for a Month’s Mind, an anniversary, or a Mass celebrated for multiple Intentions.

I ask you to speak of the importance of all of this at Masses this weekend and emphasize the following:

The key guidance mentioned above.
The Sunday obligation remains suspended
Thus, people should consider joining a weekday celebration of the Eucharist People should not initially plan to come to daily Mass each day
Wait until matters settle down, and it is clear there is no pressure on the maximum capacity of the church.
Do not operate a loudspeaker outside the church. The guidelines intend the total number of people in the church to be the total number in the immediate area of the building to control socializing afterwards.

I realize that there may be a certain nervousness about our return to worship next Sunday. Do your best in the circumstances in which you find yourself ministering. From a number of reports, I received during the week, people have quickly settled back to observing the public health guidance and advice. So, continue to give them every encouragement. People and priests have made great sacrifices over the last fifteen months. We hope and pray that there will be no setbacks to our country’s current efforts to get control of a deadly virus. Above all, we want everyone to be as safe as possible until the vaccination programme IS completed.

I appeal to all to enter into the spirit of the guidance and public health advice. We must pray that all our parishioners can soon return to the celebration of the Eucharist “with a purified heart, with a renewed amazement, with an increased desire to meet the Lord, to be with him, to receive him and to bring him to our brothers and sisters with a life full of faith, love and hope” (Letter to Bishops, Cardinal Robert Sarah, 2020).

With kindest regards,

Yours sincerely,

+Dermot Farrell

Archbishop of Dublin

Opening up in May 2021 from the liturgical resource center

We all look forward to opening up our churches again for safe public worship in pods of 50 where possible. The Liturgical Resource center have provided us with thoughts and ideas to stimulate creative responses as to how we will welcome back God’s people to our acts of worship. Archbishop Dermot Farrell’s very clear email to us of Friday 30th April 2021 carrying the latest advice from the Department of An Taoiseach is printed below the suggestions attached below.

Opening up in May 2021 from the Liturgy Resource Centre

Update on Guidelines

30th April 2021

Dear Father,

Arising from yesterday’s announcement regarding the easing of restrictions on religious services from May 10 th the Department of an Taoiseach has clarified a number of issues that have arisen as follows:

Pods of 50

Where the size of the premises/Place of Worship allows for a capacity of greater than 50 this may be permitted only where:

social distancing guidelines are adhered to
the premises can be subdivided into distinct sections (cordoned or marked appropriately) of not more than 50 persons in each section
there is a minimum of 4 metres between sections
each section having its own entrance/exit route
there are separate arrangements for elements of the service involving close contact, for example the distribution of Holy Communion
strictly no movement of people between sections before, during or after the service
the premises are well-ventilated

Funerals

There is an increased risk of transmission of the virus where families and communities come together following the death of a loved one.

Therefore, numbers at funeral services (and Weddings) is capped at 50 regardless of size of premises.

Notwithstanding the increase in numbers permitted, funerals are still considered private family events and all notices in newspapers or on-line should be clear about this.

Funeral services should continue to be live-streamed to help reduce numbers attending.

Attendance at wakes in private homes and at Funeral Homes remains unchanged i.e. immediate family only and people should be discouraged from queuing to pay respects.

Singing

As with previous reopening for religious service congregational singing and choir singing is not permitted.

Solo singing with accompanist is permitted subject to compliance with detailed guidance contained in HSE Covid-19 Guidance for Religious Services.

Outdoor Worship is not permitted in line with Government restrictions on organised outdoor gatherings.

Drive-in Religious Services may take place outside places of worship (e.g. church carpark) where all attendees remain in their vehicles and no sharing of vehicle outside of family unit. If your parish is considering this option, the utmost respect for the distribution of the Eucharist is essential.

Use of Religious premises for any other purposes/parochial activities/community meetings etc. is not permitted in line with Government restrictions on organised indoor gatherings.

I hope this advice is of assistance,

Kind regards,

+ Dermot Farrell

Archbishop of Dublin

Return to public worship on the 10th May

30th April 2021

Dear Father,

The very welcome announcement that public worship may resume from the 10th May is a source of great joy to so many who have patiently awaited the opportunity to participate in the celebration of the Eucharist and the sacraments. Sadly, many families carry the burden of the loss of loved ones from Covid, and of the heavy price which has had to be paid in terms of lost jobs and incomes.

As we prepare for the safe return to public worship, I am very aware of the situation of families whose children eagerly anticipate the celebration of the sacraments of First Holy Communion and Confirmation. It is important that these joyful occasions are celebrated with full regard to the continuing threat posed by circulation of the virus and in full compliance with public health requirements. The public health advice is that ceremonies such as these should not take place at the time of resumption of public worship. I know that parishes and families alike will wish to prioritise public safety.

For that reason, celebrations of the sacraments may not take place and dates for celebrations should not be proposed until parishes are notified that it is appropriate to do so. I envisage that engagement with the public authorities will enable the position to be reviewed in due course.

When ceremonies can be celebrated, priority will be given to First Holy Communion and Confirmation deferred from 2020. While celebration of the sacrament of Confirmation for candidates from the current year may be able to take place over the summer, I believe that, regrettably, it is appropriate and necessary that celebration of First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion for 2021 candidates should be deferred until the autumn.

The Sacraments Implementation Group will shortly offer training for parish volunteers in the use of video resources which have been prepared for use by parishes in engaging with families whose children are preparing for Confirmation. I am aware that many parishes have been running programmes of accompaniment for these families.

I realise that this situation may be a cause of disappointment to many families. I trust that they will understand the rationale for this approach. I know that parishes will continue to support them so that the celebration of the sacraments will be ever more joyful. I wish to express my gratitude to our schools for the excellent work which they have done in preparing our children. It is an immensely valuable component of the partnership between family, parish and school.

Pope Francis has encouraged daily recitation of the Rosary during the month of May in light of the global risks posed by the virus. Let us commend our Archdiocese, our parishes and our families to the protection of Our Blessed Mother as we journey through the challenging months ahead.

With Kind Regards,

+Dermot Farrell

Archbishop of Dublin

Sacraments of First Holy Communions and Confirmation Update

27 April 2021

A reminder of the importance of accompanying young people and their families on the journey of preparation and evangelisation leading in time to the celebration of First Holy Communion and Confirmation. Please keep the focus on education, evangelisation, enlightenment, and encouragement. There is a concern voiced by many that we might rush into the celebration of the Sacraments and unintentionally neglect the vital preparation. Requests for clarification have been received. The celebration of the Sacraments of First Holy Communion and Confirmation should only take place in the parish church. As pointed out by Archbishop Farrell in his recent communication, ‘We have yet to receive clarification about the circumstances under which a return to public worship will be permitted under public health guidelines. However, apart from such specific guidelines, we must be cognisant of the foreseeable risks of social gatherings which typically follow such celebrations.’ In solidarity with neighbouring parishes, parents, young people, school communities, please do not issue dates even provisionally for the celebration of Sacraments until we are all ready to move forward together and the Archbishop is in a position to issue relevant pastoral guidelines.

Sacraments of First Holy Communion and Confirmation

22 April 2021

Dear Father,

I am aware that some parishes have been pressed to consider setting dates for the celebration of the sacraments of First Holy Communion and Confirmation. I am writing to confirm that no dates should be proposed by parishes, even provisionally, for such celebrations.

We have yet to receive clarification about the circumstances under which a return to public worship will be permitted under public health guidelines. However, apart from such specific guidelines, we must be cognisant of the foreseeable risks of social gatherings which typically follow such celebrations.

Following clarification of the public health requirements, I will issue guidelines regarding when celebrations of the sacraments may be held. It is likely that it will be necessary to postpone until the autumn at least some celebrations which would otherwise take place over coming weeks.

In the meantime, I encourage you to continue to engage with and accompany families on the journey of preparation towards celebration of the sacraments, even as they may have to be delayed for a time.

With kind regards,

+Dermot Farrell

Archbishop of Dublin

Bishops’ statement on the Covid-19 restrictions in Republic of Ireland

Statement released on the second day of the Spring General Meeting of the Irish Bishops’ Conference

On 19 February the four Catholic Archbishops had a meeting with Taoiseach Micheál Martin to continue the dialogue about the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the lives of people in our Church. At that meeting the Archbishops affirmed the Church’s commitment to the protection of life, health and the promotion of the Common Good. During their Spring Conference, bishops reflected on that meeting and released the following statement:

“We strongly believe that people’s freedom to worship publicly should be restored as soon as the current Level 5 restrictions begin to be eased. It is particularly painful for Christians to be deprived, for the second year running, of the public expression of our faith during the most sacred time of Holy Week and Easter. This is especially true given that it has been clearly demonstrated that church buildings are among the safest places for people to gather. We also re-emphasise that the ongoing severe restrictions on attendance at Funeral Masses (currently limited to ten) are causing untold grief to many families.

“Throughout this time of pandemic the approach of the Church has been firmly grounded in the protection of health and life and in the promotion of the Common Good. We recognise that strong restrictions are necessary in times of grave threat to public health. However, such restrictions on personal freedom should be proportionate and for the shortest time possible. Consideration must also be given to people’s mental, spiritual and emotional wellbeing. For people of faith, gathering for worship is fundamental to their identity and to their spiritual lives.

Despite assurances from the Taoiseach last month that the concerns expressed by the Archbishops would be given serious consideration, we note with disappointment that none of the issues raised has been responded to. We therefore make an urgent appeal that the following matters be addressed:

That the easing of restrictions from Level 5 should include the restoration of public worship, albeit in a safe and limited way. For people of faith not to be free to worship until regulations return to Level 2, whilst many other restrictions are eased, is seen as particularly distressing and unjust.

That the number of mourners permitted at funeral services be increased, with immediate effect, noting that in Northern Ireland this number has not been reduced below 25. The current restriction places immense burdens on grieving families, compounding the pain of their loss.

We strongly believe that allowing these measures would contribute greatly to giving a sense of hope and consolation to many in our Church – in line with the central message of Easter. These measures would be a substantial support to the wellbeing of individuals and parish communities, and ultimately serve the Common Good of all.

We encourage Catholics to make their views on these issues known to their own TDs and local representatives.

We wish to remain responsive to public health messaging. For this reason we are recommending the postponement of the sacraments of First Holy Communion and Confirmation ceremonies for the time being.

We continue to keep in prayer all who are suffering in this time of Covid, and all who contribute so much to their care.

Bishops’ statement on the Covid-19 restrictions in Republic of Ireland | Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference

ENDS

Clarification for Parishes regarding Level 5 Restrictions

04/03/2021

Dear Father,

Further to questions raised at some of the deanery meetings during the week, I have been asked to clarify the following matters:

The sacrament of Baptism must be celebrated only in exceptional circumstances, that is in danger of death.

Under current restrictions all religious services continue to take place online. In the interest of health and safety priests and parishes ought not to succumb to requests to distribute Holy Communion before or after Mass, in or outside churches. Drive-in Masses are not permitted as no gatherings of people outdoors or indoors are permitted. Holy Communion can only be distributed in the church to mourners attending a Funeral Mass, to those celebrating the Sacrament of Marriage and to the essential ministers that make celebration of Mass online possible, (e.g., Minister of the Word, Sacristan).

Arrangements for the celebration of First Holy Communion and Confirmation should not be made until Government / HSE / diocesan guidelines indicate that it is safe to do so.

Churches remain open for private prayer only. Liturgies and devotions (exposition of the blessed sacrament, rosary, stations of the cross) can take place in closed churches, online only.

These queries arose at the deanery meetings via Zoom earlier this week. I hope these clarifications will help solidarity between confreres and parishes so that together we can overcome the threat of the coronavirus in the community. Hopefully we will be able to return to public worship and the celebration of the Sacraments as soon as possible thus strengthening and supporting faith communities on our pilgrim journey.

+Dermot Farrell

Archbishop of Dublin

Bilateral Meeting between Taoiseach and Catholic Church leaders

19th February 2019

The Taoiseach, yesterday, met with representatives of the Catholic Church – Archbishop Eamon Martin, Archbishop Dermot Farrell, Archbishop Kieran O’Reilly and Archbishop Michael Neary – to discuss the current level of Covid-19 restrictions and the Church’s desire to return to worship, in particular during the season of Lent and with the approach of Holy Week and Easter.

The Archbishops requested the meeting as part of ongoing constructive dialogue regarding the Covid-19 pandemic and the restrictions on public worship.

Recognising the huge challenges which the pandemic poses, the Archbishops emphasised that they wish to continue supporting the public health message and to encourage all necessary measures, including vaccination, to protect health and well-being, especially that of the most vulnerable.

They shared their concern that life at present is particularly stressful and difficult for people to endure, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. Recognising the spiritual comfort and hope that participation in public worship brings, the Archbishops asked that public worship resume when an easing of restrictions is considered. They expressed a strong desire that people might gather safely this year for the important ceremonies of Holy Week and Easter. They also requested consideration of an increase in the number of the bereaved who may attend funeral Masses.

The Taoiseach thanked the Archbishops for their support and acknowledged the importance of the Church community in people’s lives at this time of stress and worry. He outlined the ongoing concerns regarding the spread of the virus, particularly the new variants, stressing that any increase at all in mobility can have serious consequences for public health and put pressure on the health service.

In concluding, he said the concerns raised at the meeting would be given consideration. It was agreed to maintain dialogue as the situation evolves.

9th February 2021

These continue to be strange days for us all. The pandemic continues to dominate the news cycles and, in fact, large parts of our lives. We are all doing what we can to contain its spread. I thank you, most sincerely, for all that you have done in the parishes to continue to journey with people through a variety of means – for, now, the best part of this past year.

Naturally questions have arisen about the celebration of Sacraments in our parishes. I can understand the uncertainty that has arisen – it is hard, almost impossible, to plan anything even into the future. Therefore, so as to avoid doubt, and so that people can plan accordingly, I am writing to note that there be no celebration of Confirmations in the Diocese before Easter.

This time will allow, I hope, the infection number to come down, our schools to reopen, proper parish-based programmes of preparation for the sacraments to be completed, and our churches to be once again open to public worship. At that time our priority will be to celebrate the sacraments for those children for whom that could not happen last year, then candidates for Confirmation currently in sixth class, and then children for First Holy Communion.

I know much work has been undertaken by the Sacraments Implementation Group here in Dublin to engage with the various stakeholders exploring what is possible, even in these pandemic times, in terms of preparing for and celebrating effectively the sacraments. I thank them for that vital work. Preparing Children, and families, is essential: the fruitfulness of the celebrations demands it, and our future depends on it.

Smaller, more intimate celebrations can be enriching too. I welcome, then, the fact that parishes will explore locally what is possible, and always in accord with the NPHET guidelines of that time.

With prayerful good wishes,

+ Dermot Farrell

Archbishop of Dublin

Further to the Government announcement today regarding the move to Level 5, the following Religious Service restrictions apply:

Religious Services:

Christmas religious services may take place up to and including the 25th December 2020

• With effect from the 26th December 2020 Religious services will move online

• Places of worship may remain open for private prayerFunerals

• With effect from the 24th December 2020 up to 10 mourners can attend

Weddings

• Up to and including 2nd January 2020, up to 25 guests can attend a wedding ceremony and reception, whether indoors or outdoors

• With effect from 3 January 2020, up to 6 guests are permitted to attend a wedding ceremony and reception, whether indoors or outdoorsTravel outside your county will continue to be permitted up to and including 26th December 2020.

From 27th December you must stay within your county unless you need to leave for essential purposes, which includes:

to attend a wedding or funeral

• to visit a graveThese measures will be reviewed on the 12th January 2021.

REFLECTIONS OF ARCHBISHOP DIARMUID MARTIN

ON THE CURRENT COVID 19 SITUATION

19 December 2020

A difficult year is drawing to a close, while the future is marked by increasing uncertainty. Just one year ago, none of us could have imagined what was about to unfold. We remember in our prayers those who have died from the Coronavirus and their families and friends. We remember those in our care homes who have experienced isolation. We remember families that will be unable to come together to celebrate Christmas. We remember those who have lost their jobs and those whose livelihood remains precarious.

We also thank God for the way in which people have responded to the challenge of the virus. The response of front line workers has been supported by the genuinely mature response of the Irish people. Our Church has responded to a challenge that could not have been foreseen. After the initial closure of Churches for public worship, parishes put huge effort into preparing Church buildings so that they would be safely prepared for reopening. The level of preparedness that parishes have shown was such that Churches were reopened for worship some weeks ahead of the time initially foreseen.

Masses were celebrated on-line and parishes were able to provide access to a wide range of liturgies and prayer services, often with strong support from lay men and women in the parish community. Parishes stood by the bereaved in situations that were extremely trying for those who could only have limited numbers at funerals. A wide range of other pastoral services was provided. First communions and Confirmations were celebrated in a different way to the past and I have heard unanimous praise for the simplicity and prayerfulness of these smaller ceremonies.

As the year went on, despite being themselves in difficult financial situations, people quietly and generously responded with financial support for their priests and parishes. We are grateful to them.

Now we face the future. We are happy that many restrictions have been lifted as we prepare for Christmas. At the same time, we are acutely aware that the virus has a life of its own and infections can dramatically increase as soon as contacts become easier. We cannot remain unconcerned as each day the number of new infections in Ireland is increasing. Numerous European countries have already announced new and really dramatic curtailments and at times for periods of up to four or five months. Vaccines are on the way, but it would be unrealistic to think that their full effects will take place for many months.

At this moment, it would be unwise for parishes to be fixing dates of First Communions or Confirmations anywhere within the first months of the coming year. Fixing times and having to change them has caused real disappointment for many families.

The nature of the virus is such that we all have a responsibility to ensure that the simple measures of handwashing, wearing of facemasks and social distancing continue with the same level of strictness in application. Any increased movement within society brings with it serious risks for public health. Our parishes have to be extremely careful to ensure that respect for public health norms remains strictly in place during the Christmas season. If we keep on our guard, then we will have contributed greatly to the protection of people and social interaction. If we were to relax and become unthinking, we could find ourselves responsible for allowing religious services to become a vehicle for transmission and lead to a future lockdown on public worship.

For the coming Christmas season, we should be urging people not to take risks. Numbers wishing to attend Mass, especially on Christmas night and Christmas Day, will be well above the capacity of many our Churches. We should encourage people not to gather in numbers beyond what is approved. The vulnerable should be strongly encouraged not to come to Church. Indeed, people should be encouraged to discern whether it is opportune or not for them to come to Mass on Christmas day. It may well be more appropriate for them to follow Mass on-line as a family and perhaps at some stage in the day make a brief prayerful visit to the Crib, to permit children to experience the mystery of the birth of Jesus. Churches should provide the ample possibility for people to attend Mass at some time within the twelve days of Christmas

All of us involved in Church ministry, clergy and laity alike, should also be attentive to look after themselves. One priest wrote to me noting that if any one of us were to catch the virus, how many others would we be putting at risk and self-isolation. When you look at the attention that doctors and others are taking to ensure safety in access to them personally and to their premises, we should be equally attentive. Distancing ourselves from people is not within our DNA as priests. However, we have a duty of care for the people to whom we minister and with whom we have constant close contact such as sacristans and parish secretaries.

Priests are not immune to the personal challenges all are facing. These months have been hard. We have had to face loneliness, stress and frustration and these affect our mental health. I am very much aware of how my own ministry has been negatively affected by my age, uncertainty, and inability to travel. We all need restfulness and spiritual uplift. We need to share and experience solidarity with one another. I hope and pray that despite a very busy schedule, each of us will find moments over the Christmas season when we can be touched by the mystery of the Divine Child who became human and gave Himself out of love for us so, that we could experience and share that special peace that abiding in His love brings.

+Diarmuid Martin

Archbishop of Dublin

Saturday December 19^th 2020

17 December 2020

The HSE has published revised guidance regarding singing during public worship. They repeat that congregational singing, choir singing and carol singing are not permitted, due to the increased risk of spreading the virus to others present at the service.

The new guidelines clarify the position of a cantor or a soloist. It is stressed that solo singing in a religious setting such as a church or place of worship can only be done as part of an essential act of worship. This would exclude school events or concerts. Each parish must carry out a risk assessment to ensure that the indicated norms can be respected. If a cantor or a soloist were to sing without a mask, a plexiglass screen should be used.

The full detailed guidance is given below.

+Diarmuid Martin

Archbishop of Dublin

REVISED HSE GUIDANCE REGARDING SINGING DURING PUBLIC WORSHIP

17 December 2020

“Congregational singing, choir singing and carol singing is not permitted, due to the increased risk of spreading virus to others present at the service.

Solo singing in a religious setting such as a church or place of worship can only be done as part of an essential act of worship, and only if deemed appropriate following risk assessment. In order to sing without a face covering, the soloist should be physically located behind a plexiglass screen as far away as possible (more than 2 metres in all directions) from the congregation and other individuals, including the musical accompanist and the celebrant. Extended physical distancing (more than 3 metres) should be considered if possible. Any screen used should be cleaned regularly.

If singing from an organ loft, it is essential that the organ loft is large enough to allow a minimum of 2 metres distance in all directions between the singer and the organist. Extended physical distancing (more than 3 metres) should be considered if possible. If the loft is situated above the congregants, the soloist should be placed behind a plexiglass screen so that the risk of droplet transmission from the soloist over the edge of the loft and onto the congregation below is minimised. Any screen used should be cleaned regularly.

Music sheets, stands or microphones should only be used by the individual singing and not shared during the performance. These items and any surfaces that are touched during the performance should be cleaned between uses if used by different people. The singer and organist should be placed back to back, or side to side, rather than facing each other (at a minimum of 2 metres distance).

It is important that the congregation is made aware that they should not sing along with the solo singer or other instrumental music.”

REFLECTIONS OF ARCHBISHOP DIARMUID MARTIN

ON THE CURRENT COVID 19 SITUATION

7 December 2020

You will find at the end of my comments the updated HSE norms regarding places of worship. The HSE guidelines are quite detailed. A quick reading of them might refresh our memory on what is required. Most of the guidance is already in place in our Churches. I have placed in bold letter the areas where there has been some change.

These changes include norms that services should not exceed one hour including entrance and exit times; the need also of celebrants to wear face masks; choirs and windblown instruments are not permitted; masks and not visors to be used; restriction on use of the chalice.

The HSE guidance discourages concelebration. In general that remains the norm for priests. Priests attending Masses, including funerals, would not normally concelebrate. There may be some reasons where concelebration is indicated, such as to permit someone who might otherwise not be able to celebrate personally. In that case, a separate chalice should be used by each celebrant and each chalice must be cleansed separately by the celebrant.

It is not permissible for choirs to be present at public services. Carol services should take place on line and all social distancing measures should be rigidly applied.

The norms are clear that places of worship are open only for religious services. Any other use of Church buildings, apart from private prayer, is not permitted. This would apply to choir practices not immediately linked to a specific event. The HSE guidance has advice regarding dual use of Church buildings.

+Diarmuid Martin

Archbishop of Dublin

UPDATED HSE GUIDANCE FOR RELIGIOUS SERVICES

Actions for churches and congregational settings where religious services take place

COVID-19 is easily spread between people and we need to exercise extreme caution to limit the spread of the virus. This guidance applies to congregational settings and places of worship including churches, synagogues, mosques and temples. The measures below are aimed at minimising the risk of COVID-19.

Current Government Guidelines must be adhered to. This includes the total number of worshippers allowed to congregate, dependent on the current level of restrictions.
Remind religious leaders and members of the congregation to stay away from services if they are ill with symptoms of COVID-19 or other infectious disease, or if they have been in contact with a person with COVID-19 in the last 14 days
Appoint a COVID-19 Officer if feasible.
Have a plan for dealing with religious leaders or members of the congregation who become ill with symptoms of COVID-19 during a service, including isolating them from other people and seeking medical advice without delay (e.g. phone a GP or Emergency Services). Have contact numbers for emergency services readily available.
Explain clearly how the service will be conducted and what is expected of all members of the congregation when attending a service.
Services should not exceed one hour (this includes entrance and exit times) with at least one hour between services to allow for cleaning and ventilation and to avoid crowding/overlap.
Suggest that those who are more vulnerable due to age or ill-health might participate via radio or webcam where available.
A risk assessment should be carried out for each premises to determine how many people can attend within the requirements of social distancing, and to identify high risk points in the building, e.g. narrow entrance/exits. The number permitted to attend should be clearly displayed at each entrance.
Public Health signage should be displayed at entrances to places of religious worship taking care not to cause obstruction or delay for those entering or leaving.
Where possible, separate points of entrance and exit should be identified and clearly marked to allow for one-way traffic.
In so far as possible (may vary with weather) keep entrance doors propped in an open position for arrival and departure to minimise the need for people to touch the door handles, or have doors that can be pushed open with the shoulder.
Staggering the entering and exiting of the venue should be considered to allow for social distancing measures. Members of the congregation should be asked to ensure that they do not gather immediately outside the door. Congregants need to maintain social distance before they arrive at the place of worship and also when they leave. They should stay well clear of the door to facilitate others leaving the building. They should not congregate in advance of, or after the service. Stewards should be available to assist to ensure compliance with this measure.
Alcohol-based hand rub should be provided. These should be placed outside of the place of worship for use prior to entry and after exit, and at appropriate points within the space where the religious service is held. ▪ Any spillage of alcohol-based hand rub should be cleaned up immediately to prevent falls.

▪ Alcohol based hand rubs should not be used near heat or a naked flame.

Toilet facilities need to be regularly cleaned, supplied with liquid soap, and have a working hand dryer or paper towel dispenser.
Ensure social distancing of 2 metres is maintained during all services/gatherings, including by those leading or contributing to the performance of religious rites.
Seating /standing places/places for mats should be arranged or marked off to maintain social distancing of 2 metres in all directions. Members of the same household can sit closer together but 2 metre social distancing must be otherwise observed.
Physical guides such as signs or markings on the floor should be used to ensure persons attending are aware of the distance required to maintain social distancing
Congregants should wear cloth face coverings or masks during indoor services and ceremonies. A cloth face covering or mask provides better protection than a visor, which should not be used unless there are specific problems with using the cloth face coverings or masks.
The religious leader should wear a cloth face covering or mask during the service, except when delivering an address e.g. preaching or giving a sermon, and only if she/he is more than 2 metres from any participant.
Ensure adequate ventilation of any indoor spaces, either through mechanical means (e.g. central air-conditioning unit) or natural ventilation (i.e. opening windows and external doors).
Communal items, such as religious books or leaflets, should be removed. Members of the congregation should be invited to bring their own religious reading material if required.
For gatherings that use prayer mats or similar items, members of the congregation should be asked to bring their own prayer mats to avoid sharing of items.
For religious gatherings that require performance of ablutions before prayer, people should be asked to perform ablutions at home rather than at the place of worship if this is possible.
Tissues should be provided. At the same time, people should be strongly encouraged to bring their own tissues to services. Provide bins for safe disposal of tissues.
Ensure hand-washing facilities, including soap dispensers and disposable towels, are well maintained.

Choirs, music groups and other liturgical music

Performance and practice by choirs and musical ensembles has been associated with spread of COVID-19 due to the increased expulsion of droplets associated with singing and wind-blown musical instruments.

Congregational singing, choir singing and carol singing is not permitted, due to the increased risk of spreading virus to others present at the service. Playing musical instruments that are wind-blown should also be avoided.

Playing other instrumental music (e.g. string, percussion) is possible. A risk assessment should be completed before the musicians/ musical group practices and performs during the service. A COVID Officer should oversee strict adherence by musicians and all present to social distance, cloth face coverings or masks and hand hygiene measures, and to raise awareness of the potential risk to members, in particular for vulnerable members.

In addition, adequate and appropriate ventilation measures must be in place before, during and after the instrumental music is played as part of the religious service.

Holy Communion

Members of the congregation should be told how the distribution of Communion is going to be managed and of the potential risk so that they can make an informed choice. Those who are distributing Communion should wear a protective cloth face covering or mask, and not a visor. A mask provides better protection than a visor, which should not be used unless there are specific problems with using the face mask. They could in addition stand behind a screen that protects their face when distributing communion.
Everyone distributing Communion should wash their hands or use alcohol-based hand gel both before and after distributing Communion. Priests should sanitise their hands after administering communion to themselves before distributing to communicants. Alcohol based hand rub should be available close to where the priest or minister is distributing Communion to facilitate re-sanitising of the hands if necessary during the distribution.
Those receiving Communion should perform hand hygiene before receiving. Alcohol based hand rub should be available at appropriate places to allow for use prior to, or while approaching to receive, Communion. Members of the congregation can be encouraged to bring their own hand gels.
Social distancing should be maintained while approaching and returning from receiving Communion. A one-way system should be used, where possible.
Alternatively, where more appropriate to a particular setting, Communion can be distributed to members of the congregation remaining in their seats and maintaining social distance while priests or ministers make their way through the congregation.
Communion should be distributed into the hands and NOT onto the tongue. The host should be placed in the hand of the recipient in such a way as to avoid hand contact. Priests and Ministers should be trained in the technique of placing the host in the recipient’s hand in a manner that avoids hand contact. Communicants should be told how the Communion host will be delivered.
Use of communal vessels should be suspended. For example, during Holy Communion in Christian religious services only one celebrant should drink from a chalice. No one else should drink from that particular chalice – this includes other priests, ministers of the Eucharist and members of the congregation.
Concelebration should be suspended for this period.

Dual use of religious facilities

Where religious facilities are being used for non-religious purposes outside of normal religious operating times (e.g. community hall for day-care, support groups for those recovering from addiction), the Government guidelines relevant to the activity in question should be consulted to determine what additional measures to those mentioned above should be implemented. The setting should be thoroughly cleaned and ventilated between uses, with at least 15 minutes of fresh outside air circulating in the emptied room before the next activity begins, either by mechanical (e.g. non-recirculating central air conditioning unit) or natural means (i.e. open windows).

REFLECTIONS OF ARCHBISHOP DIARMUID MARTIN

ON THE CURRENT COVID 19 SITUATION

3 December 2020

I draw your attention to the Pastoral Message of the Bishops of Ireland on our preparations for the celebration of Christmas, issued after our on-line meeting yesterday.

The Bishops address the challenges linked with the celebration of Mass during the Christmas period. The thoughts are the same as our diocesan policy. Allow me to quote some paragraphs:

“Clearly it will be impossible for our usual large congregations to assemble for Mass on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. We wish to remind Catholics that the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days remains suspended during the pandemic. But Christmas is about more than just one day. Families are welcome to attend Mass at some point during the twelve days from Christmas Eve to Epiphany. Christmas Masses will also be widely available over webcam and we strongly encourage families to “tune in” from the “domestic churches” of their living rooms and join with those who are gathering in their local churches in welcoming the birth of the Christ-child.

It is possible to experience the spiritual richness of this special season in many ways. Our homes can become “little churches” where we invite the Christ-child in. The age-old tradition of having a Christmas crib in the home and gathering there as a family to pray or to sing a carol will be especially meaningful this year. We also invite families or “household bubbles” to pay a visit to their local church at some time during the twelve days to offer a Christmas prayer at the crib and pray together for their families and for those particularly impacted by the pandemic”.

I am aware that at the moment parishes are reflecting of different solutions. I respect that. I would ask that in any decision you take into consideration the effects of your decision on neighbouring parishes and that you ensure that your decision is well explained to parishioners and that you elicit understanding and ownership by them.

We have to be careful not to focus only on the liturgical celebration of Christmas. We have to see where our parishes can generate an atmosphere of care and kindness for those for whom this Christmas will be one tinged with sadness. We celebrate the birth of Jesus both within our Church buildings but also by bringing the message and the magic of Christ to those we encounter. Our ministry is not limited just to sacramental ministry. We have to witness in society to what the sacraments means. I quote again from the Bishops’ message.

“We are particularly conscious of those whose livelihoods have been seriously threatened by the pandemic. We keep in mind those for whom Christmas time may bring feelings of sadness – people coping with bereavement, families that cannot be together, those in care homes who can only have limited visits from their loved ones. Christmas can be difficult for Irish emigrants and migrants living in Ireland, who are unable to travel home”.

We know also how much organisations such as the Saint Vincent de Paul Society and Crosscare need financial support to help them carry out their work over Christmas.

We have also to be cautious about hopes that the approval of vaccines will quickly change the need for vigilance. Vaccines will not radically change the situation overnight. It will be some considerable time before a wide sector of the population will be vaccinated. The battle with this virus will take much longer than many imagine and that in the meantime the current norms of hygiene, safe distancing and strict limitation of personal contacts are still then fundamentals.

We have to ensure that we restrict our gatherings to what is essential and use good sense and prudence to avoid risk especially to children and the elderly. Where safety cannot be respected then better show restraint.

Finally I draw your attention to the on line video “retreat” videos which have been prepared by the Office for Clergy and which are coming on line in these days.

+Diarmuid Martin

December 3, 2020

2 December 2020

In writing the other day, I stressed that in the current situation leading up to Christmas:

We should be careful not to do anything that might compromise safety during the re-opening of Churches. We have to be especially careful not to be fostering any concentration of ceremonies involving gatherings of large numbers of children, especially in this winter season. Reducing the number of gatherings is a key element in the fight to curb the spread of the virus.

I am very concerned that there are a number of parishes that have been proposing to hold First Holy Communion ceremonies for very large numbers of children, whether with or without the participation of parents

I am again very concerned that large numbers of children would be invited to make First Holy Communion without the presence of parents. This would lead to situations of gatherings of people outside Churches and inevitably to a breakdown in social distancing on a very large scale.

My policy is in general to leave decisions to the good sense of individual parishes, taking into consideration local circumstances. However in this case I believe that some parishes are moving into the area where they would be putting the health of families and the wider community at high risk and in such circumstances my advice is not to hold First Communion or Confirmation ceremonies at this moment.

There is a false impression on the part of some that we have returned to the circumstances of low risk more generally associated with Level 2 of the government regulations. This is not the case. We are at Level 3 with a special concession to allow Churches to be open for public worship to enable us to prepare for Christmas. This is a limited concession for which we are appreciative. It must however be understood within the wider imperative of reducing gatherings to what is essential.

With regard to the celebration of Christmas, I would ask parishes to be in close contact with their neighbouring parishes to ensure some policy cohesion. In some cases parishes are intending to provide a very large number of Mass on Christmas Eve and on Christmas Day. In other cases, parishes wish to suspend the celebration of Mass on those days. Each parish may have different situations, but encouraging people to travel from one parish to another involves once again unnecessary movement and gatherings of people.

I would encourage parishes to avoid rushing onto a concentration of Masses just on two days and to look at using the traditional twelve days of Christmas as one period within which people could be invited to attend Mass. In other cases, families should be encouraged to come together to visit the Crib during this period. The Sunday obligation remains suspended and no one should feel forced to attend Mass if they feel unsure of the risk involved for them or for others. In such circumstances, parishes could offer prayer resources for families and parishioners to help them welcome the Christ-child into their homes at Christmas.

You will notice that Pope Francis has suspended public functions in the days leading to Christmas in order to reduce gatherings of people. He will not attend the traditional ceremony on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception and numbers at his Christmas Masses are being drastically reduced.

REFLECTIONS OF ARCHBISHOP DIARMUID MARTIN

ON THE CURRENT COVID 19 SITUATION

28 November 2020

You will be aware of the announcement that with the return on Tuesday next, 1 December, to Level 3, special provisions have been made to allow the reopening of Places of Worship for religious services. You will find below details of the new government Religious Services Guidance and the Religious Service Restrictions that will apply until January next.

Due to particular circumstances in their parishes, some priests have been anxious about such reopening. I believe, however, that there is a general welcome for reopening on the part of our congregations, along with a commitment to ensure that this reopening will be carried out responsibly and safely.

You will notice that the document speaks of reopening of Places of Worship for religious services. Church buildings may not be used for other events or purposes apart from private prayer.

The numbers permitted to attend services remain the same: 50 worshippers, except where the size of the Church allows for greater capacity, while respecting a number of circumstances. Among these there is the obligation that there be no movement of people between the sections before, during or after the service. The wearing of facemasks is obligatory.

One new element is the requirement that services should not exceed one hour (including entrance and exit times) and that there should be at least one hour between services to allow for cleaning, ventilation and to avoid crowding or overlap.

Further guidance on the place of choirs, chanting and congregation singing has yet to be published. My feeling is that it will not permit choirs during services, but that one or more cantors will be permitted. It is most likely that Carol Services will have to be carried out on line. It should also be remembered that choir members would have to be included in the limit of 50 persons.

The numbers permitted at Funerals and Weddings will remain at 25 for ceremonies and receptions. This is a specific decision that applies not just to religious funerals or weddings. It flows from concerns that have emerged about gatherings where social distancing has not been respected. This would include some instances around the outside of Church buildings.

The responsible reopening of our Churches will be of great benefit to individuals and congregations. It is interesting to note that the WHO guidelines on religious worship during the current pandemic stresses the contribution to personal and spiritual wellbeing of participation in prayer and worship.

Over the next days, I will return with some reflections on how we should be preparing for the celebration of Christmas. We should be reflecting on how we celebrate Advent, on facilitating the celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, on how we can encourage families to help their children experience the wonderful mystery of the birth of the Christ Child as well on preparations for the celebration of Mass during the Christmas period. We should also be reflecting on how we can ensure that our parishes reach out to the many who will feel lonely and distant from their families this year. In that light I am sending you also a Message from Crosscare on the need to provide support for our food centres over this period.

Religious Services Guidance

Special concession for Places of Worship to reopen for religious services at Level 3, from 1 December, in light of the upcoming Christmas period, to be reviewed in January.

This will allow for up to 50 worshippers to attend Services with the following protective measures:

2m social distancing guidelines adhered to (members of the same household can sit/stand close together)
Wearing of face coverings
Where possible separate points of entrance and exit, clearly marked
No congregation by people outside the premises before and after any service
Stewards on site to assist in this regard

Additional measures to be put in place to address overcrowding, to include scheduling additional Services, increased stewarding and an advance booking system, where necessary.

Where the size of the premises allows for a capacity of greater than 50 this may be permitted only where:

Social distancing guidelines are adhered to
The premises can be subdivided into distinct sections (cordoned or marked appropriately) of not more than 50 persons in each section
There is a minimum of 4m between sections
Each section having its own entrance/exit route
There are separate arrangements for elements of the service involving close contact, e.g. the distribution of Holy Communion
Strictly no movement of people between sections before, during or after the service
The premises is well-ventilated.

Duration of Service

Services should not exceed one hour (this includes entrance and exit times) with at least one hour between services to allow for cleaning and ventilation and to avoid crowding/overlap.

Choirs (as part of the Service), chanting and congregational singing

Specific Guidance on this will be provided.

Funerals and Weddings

Numbers permitted at these events remains at 25 (as per Level 3) for ceremony and reception.

Living with Covid-19 5 Step Plan Religious Service Restrictions (updated 27.11.20)
			Move to Level 3 on Tuesday 01.12.2020 with Special Concession
LEVEL	Level 1	Level 2	Level 3	Level 4	Level 5
Religious Services	Open with protective measures (eg: social distancing, one-way traffic in venue, removal of communal prayer items) for up to 50 worshippers. Separate sub groups may be permitted, where premises allow for greater capacity of 50 with additional protective measures (see guidelines)		Special Concession for Places of Worship to reopen at Level 3 in light of upcoming Christmas period Open with protective measures (eg: social distancing, face coverings, one-way traffic in venue, removal of communal prayer items, stewards to assist) for up to 50 worshippers. Separate sub groups may be permitted, where premises allow for greater capacity of 50 with additional protective measures (see guidance)	Services will be held online. Places of worship remain open for private prayer.	Services will be held online. Places of worship remain open for private prayer.
Funerals	Up to 50 mourners can attend For full details please see Bereavement Guidelines (updated 02.10.20)		Up to 25 mourners can attend.	Up to 25 mourners can attend.	Up to 25 mourners can attend.
Weddings (Regardless of Venue)	Up to 100 people can attend a wedding ceremony and reception.	Up to 50 people can attend a wedding ceremony and reception.	Up to 25 people can attend a wedding ceremony and reception.	Up to 6 guests can attend a wedding ceremony and reception.	Up to 25 guests can attend a wedding ceremony and reception.

Crosscare Appeal for Support this Christmas as food collections cancelled

Crosscare is appealing to people to support them on line this Advent as they will be unable to hold their annual Parish Food Collection for those most in need.

Every December, Crosscare collected thousands of pounds worth of non-perishable foods to restock their foodbanks and support their community cafés.

This year, due to Covid 19 restrictions Crosscare will not be able to launch a food collection in the Diocese of Dublin as usual. However, in order to ensure they have adequate supplies, they are asking people to support them by making a donation on line to ensure families struggling to cope can have food on the table this Christmas.

Crosscare services have been stretched to capacity in 2020 as they adapted to help people on the margins during the pandemic. When the Coronavirus outbreak began in March, Crosscare worked closely with the HSE and the Dublin Regional Homeless Executive to provide an extra 100 beds for homeless people. People were able to shelter in good quality accommodation, with their own rooms to ensure social distancing and personal safety among the homeless community.

Foodbanks have remained open, operating to strict hygiene and Covid safety standards to ensure families and vulnerable individuals got what they needed. So far this year, over 7,000 food parcels have been distributed. Demand remains high as many more people in our parishes and communities, who did not need support before, struggle with the economic downturn.

Archbishop Diarmuid Martin said he was proud of the way Crosscare had adapted to ensure that young people, the homeless, families in need and those who have been further isolated by the pandemic continued to be supported by Crosscare staff at this difficult time.

He appealed to priests and parishes to encourage those parishioners who would ordinarily have supported food drives and the unwanted gifts appeal to go on line and make a donation www.crosscare.ie

REFLECTIONS OF ARCHBISHOP DIARMUID MARTIN

ON THE CURRENT COVID 19 SITUATION

19th November 2020

On Tuesday evening I took part in a Zoom meeting with the Taoiseach and a group of representatives of different faiths (Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu and Buddhist, as well as Humanist) to talk about the challenges experienced by religious bodies during the current Level 5 lockdown and about expectations for the coming months.

The Taoiseach expressed his awareness of how the current Lockdown is affecting all faiths. He recognised that for believers participation in public worship is central. While the provision of online services is important at this moment, physical gathering for common worship belongs to the essence of the Christian and other faiths.

There was unanimous agreement on the part of all the faith representatives that if there is a return to Level 3 at the beginning of December, then there should be a rethink on the place of public worship in Level 3 provisions. The Taoiseach recognised that unanimity.

He noted that the public health authorities continually express their anxiety about large gatherings, but that they distinguish between controlled gatherings and spontaneous uncontrolled gatherings. The gatherings for worship are controlled and monitored and the Taoiseach stressed the enormous effort made by Churches to ensure that Church buildings were safe places for worship during the pandemic. While not making definitive commitments, he showed an openness (as he had done earlier in the day in the Dail) to a re-examination the place of public worship at Level 3. Definitive answers, he noted, will depend on government.

While the government seems to be showing an openness to move towards a modified Level 3, much will depend on what the situation is like at the beginning of December. In a number of countries where there had been considerable progress in curbing the virus, there has been a frightening return to very high infection levels as soon as restrictions were loosened.

I think it is vital that over the next two weeks that our Churches should be leaders in society in bring super attentive to attaining to the current norms. The way we work together over the next weeks will determine the manner in which we can properly prepare for and celebrate Christmas. I am hearing of laxity at some funeral events, not within Church buildings, but afterwards. It is vital at any events within Church grounds or in funeral corteges that social distancing be respected.

The faith representatives spoke of the ongoing work of Churches in addressing the concrete difficulties people face in the current stressful situation. Faith contributes to personal and spiritual wellbeing. The Taoiseach recognised the work of organizations like Saint Vincent de Paul, Crosscare and the charities of other faiths especially in addressing questions such as food supplies, mental health and loneliness. I mentioned how important Advent Church collections are for the work of our charities.

We have to use Advent to prepare for how we will celebrate Christmas, both liturgically and through our care services. Can we find ways of spreading attendance at Mass over a longer period than just Christmas night and Christmas Day? How can we organise more Masses at Christmas, while managing necessary levels of hygiene and sanitising? How do we reach out to people who will be lonely at Christmas? Many people living alone may not be able to travel to relatives? How can we ensure that children can experience the mystery of Christmas as the birth of the Christ Child? Families could be encouraged to visit the crib together. Can we provide simple online services of religious Christmas music and stories?

At meeting of the Standing Committee of the Bishops’ Conference, there was some discussion as to how we can provide greater access to the Sacrament of Reconciliation for those who wish to avail of it. The Bishops also reminded that, when access to the Sacrament of Reconciliation is not readily available, people can make acts of perfect contrition in order to attain forgiveness and return fully to the state of grace.

Christmas 2020 will certainly be a very different Christmas to anything we have experienced. We have to show that the simplicity of the Christmas message can touch hearts in any situation.

We will also have to celebrate Christmas at a time of uncertainty. Even with the promise of more rapid access to vaccines there is no doubt that the pandemic crisis will continue well into the coming year and we shall have to find ways to live with the virus without losing hope. This makes our demands for reopening of Churches for public worship more important not just for ourselves but for society.

Finally, as priests and as leaders in our Christian communities we should allow ourselves the time and space to keep our own hearts open to the message of which we are the bearers and not allow our own frustration and isolation weaken that sense of hope and meaning for which people turn to us. Let us pray for each other.

+Diarmuid Martin

19th November 2020

REFLECTIONS OF ARCHBISHOP DIARMUID MARTIN

ON THE CURRENT COVID 19 SITUATION

9^th November 2020

When the current pandemic broke out earlier this year, very few of us imagined that we would still be living with many restrictions months later as we prepare for Christmas.

The current Level 5 restrictions have had very serious effects on our ability to carry out normal liturgical life in the Archdiocese of Dublin. This follows on similar restrictions that had earlier affected those parts of the diocese in counties Kildare and Laois and then in County Dublin.

The indications are that these measures are having some effect on controlling the spread of the virus, but this is not yet the case in some parts of county Dublin. It is vital that everyone takes his or her responsibilities seriously and that we work together in curbing the virus. None of us is to second-guess the severity of the situation. None of us is authorised to self-exempt from the public norms. None of us is authorised to place people’s health at risk.

Whereas it is expected that measures will be relaxed in the first weeks of December, it is not to be excluded that restrictive measures may have to be imposed again after Christmas. It is likely and indeed understandable that the numbers of those who will be permitted to attend religious services over the Christmas period will be restricted. Many will wish to attend Christmas Mass, though the numbers may not be huge. Many people will still be anxious about attending any large gathering of people.

I notice in some United States dioceses that it is being suggested that a greater number of Masses be celebrated on Christmas Day. This would require ensuring that Churches can be sanitised, numbers of those attending be monitored, and that sufficient time be allotted between each celebration. In order to avoid people having to be turned away from Churches, the idea of some form of advanced booking might be proposed. People might be encouraged to attend Mass on different days during Christmas week. These are just suggestions from the US.

We should also be looking at other possibilities. I believe that we could encourage families with their children to visit the Christmas crib for private prayer. Each parish could provide some short prayer that could be recited on the occasion. To foster an authentic Christian culture of Christmas, in addition to online Masses, parishes could provide online ceremonies of Christmas music and readings. These could include celebrations for and by children, while respecting current restrictions. We could consider a simple parish Christmas greeting, to be delivered to families.

The traditional RDS Christmas Day lunch for the homeless which has been held for many years by the Knights of Saint Columbanus, cannot be held this year, but a number of central distribution points will provide take-away food for the homeless on Christmas Day. Parishes might be able to provide some services to reach out to the homeless and the lonely on Christmas Day. The Capuchin Day Centre has continued to provide food on a take-away basis right throughout the lockdown, even using the Church building as a possible place for the homeless to sit and eat their food.

In situations of a sharp rise in the numbers contracting the virus, the limitation of public worship can be justified. This has been reasserted in these days in Great Britain and by French Courts. This restriction however should be limited to the shortest period necessary. The effort of our parishes to prepare our Church buildings and to supervise attendance has been extraordinary and the level of risk in our Churches is very low. However in addition to attendance at Mass, the questions of the movement of people and the maintenance of social distancing on arrival and departure and the presence of a high proportion of vulnerable people at Mass are considerations that the public health authorities cannot ignore.

The four Archbishops have made representation to the Taoiseach regarding reopening Churches for public worship at the earliest opportunity. While being sympathetic to our request, the Taoiseach did not feel in a position make any definitive commitment at this moment.

It is interesting to note that Pope Francis has ceased holding his weekly General Audience in public and has noted that his Christmas liturgies will be celebrated with very limited public attendance.

One way or another, for the foreseeable future public participation at Masses will remain limited. This is the situation in which we will have to live and carry out ministry for the coming months and possibly even longer. As I said recently, while attendance at public worship is suspended, the Christian life is not suspended. The life of the Church must go on and must go on with renewed vigour. Our wounded society needs the witness of authentically lived Christian lives. We have to be creative in finding new ways of reaching out especially to young families.

Over the next few days, I hope to be able to open a dialogue on how we may be able to proceed and I would appreciate receiving your suggestions. The Sacraments Implementation Group, established by the Council of Priests, has provided me with feedback from their Deanery Consultations with some recommendations about how we should prepare for the celebration of the First Holy Communion and Confirmation next year. I will forward these to you soon.

I know that the current situation has challenged each one of us in our ministry and indeed in our own lives. We need to intensify our sense of common purpose and a pastoral response to a situation we had never foreseen. Let us remember each other in our prayers.

+Diarmuid Martin

November 9th 2020

Living with Covid-19 5 Step Plan Religious Service Restrictions (updated 20.10.20)
					All Counties of Ireland move to Level 5 at midnight Wednesday 21.10.20
LEVEL	Level 1	Level 2	Level 3	Level 4	Level 5
Religious Services	Open with protective measures (eg: social distancing, one-way traffic in venue, removal of communal prayer items) for up to 50 worshippers. Separate sub groups may be permitted, where premises allow for greater capacity of 50 with additional protective measures (see guidelines)		Services move online. Places of worship remain open for private prayer.	Services will be held online. Places of worship remain open for private prayer.	Services will be held online. Places of worship remain open for private prayer.
Funerals	Up to 50 mourners can attend For full details please see Bereavement Guidelines (updated 02.10.20)		Up to 25 mourners can attend.	Up to 25 mourners can attend.	Up to 25 mourners can attend.
Weddings (Regardless of Venue)	Up to 100 people can attend a wedding ceremony and reception.	Up to 50 people can attend a wedding ceremony and reception.	Up to 25 people can attend a wedding ceremony and reception.	Up to 6 guests can attend a wedding ceremony and reception.	Up to 25 guests can attend a wedding ceremony and reception.

FURTHER NOTICE CONCERNING THE PASTORAL SITUATION IN

COUNTY DUBLIN UNDER CHANGED CORONAVIRUS NORMS

Saturday 19 September 2020

I am seriously concerned that many people may be underestimating the seriousness of the current situation in County Dublin and indeed now in other counties. The spread of the virus has reached serious levels and constitutes a real risk of radically increased infection within the community. In many cases, the increase in numbers is due to gatherings within households and communities.

That is the reason why the public health authorities are stressing the urgent need to reduce the number of contacts that each one of us has in this period. Reducing contacts requires a specific effort on the part of each of us to deliberately change the number of people with whom we would normally come into contact. This is as important in the current situation as the need for face masks, social distancing and handwashing.

The need to reduce contacts and the size of gatherings is also at the root of the norms that ask us to limit public worship and close Churches. It is true that due to the extraordinary effort of parishes in adapting Church buildings and reducing attendance, thank God, there has been no indication of the virus being spread in worshiping communities. However, the situation today has changed and the measures introduced, no matter how they may sadden us, are appropriate at this time.

I have seen reports quoting a Vatican document urging a rapid return to normal worship. Some are using that as an indication that the official line of the Holy See is to object to restrictions. This is a very serious distortion of what that document says. The document, as I quoted yesterday, strongly supports the application of restrictive measures and “painful decisions even to the point of suspending the participation of the faithful in the celebration of the Eucharist for a long period”, when the need is great.

I understand the disappointment of families who had been ready for the celebration of First Communion and Confirmation and find them postponed. Unfortunately, they cannot take place during the current period. Places of worship must remain closed except for private prayer as well as for limited attendance at funerals and weddings.

I am also worried about parishes taking initiatives to “get First Communions and Confirmations done”. I appreciate the pressure that families and schools can bring in parishes. We have to remember that First Communions and Confirmations are sacramental acts and must be celebrated in an appropriate liturgical context and catechetical preparation.

The idea that sacramental acts have to be done quickly and can be done outside the normal liturgical situation is false. There is no urgent need to celebrate these sacraments just because they fit into the school calendar. In many dioceses, celebrations of First Communions have yet to be begin.

Some efforts, often well intentioned, run the risk of reducing the administration of sacramental acts almost to the level of a supermarket in which you can drop in and “get the sacrament done”. This would reduce the Eucharist to a commodity. First Communion and Confirmation ought to be celebrated through personal participation in a liturgical act. Indeed, I have been hearing many very favourable comments on the small and intimately prayerful celebrations that have been taking place in most parishes and I am very appreciative of parishes who have arranged this. They show that carefully taking time produces better results that undue haste.

+Diarmuid Martin

Saturday 19 September 2020

FURTHER NOTICE CONCERNING THE PASTORAL SITUATION IN

COUNTY DUBLIN UNDER CHANGED CORONAVIRUS NORMS

18 September 2020 – Evening

Confirmation has been received that, in the light of the very worrying increase in infection in the Dublin area, the entire County Dublin will be placed on Level 3 of the Government’s COVID-19 Resilience and National Recovery Plan, beginning at midnight tonight and for at least a three-week period.

The norms apply to all places of worship within County Dublin, including those of religious houses that are generally open to the public. They do not apply to the Churches of the Archdiocese of Dublin in Counties Wicklow, Wexford, Kildare and Laois.

Places of worship will have to remain closed from midnight tonight, except for private prayer, weddings and funerals. Attendance at wedding liturgies and funerals would be limited to 25.

Religious services can be transmitted online with no public presence. As was the case in the past, parishes should make known as soon as possible the times of the transmission of Masses online. Where an individual parish does not have the ability to transmit online, details of neighbouring parishes can be supplied. The Masses from the Pro-Cathedral are accessible on dublindiocese.ie and www.procathedral.ie

While online transmissions can play a vital role in reaching out to the sick and where it is not possible to hold public liturgies, we have to remember that no broadcast can replace personal participation with our brothers and sisters in the Eucharistic assembly that has the church building as its home. We must pray intensely that we will be able to return to public worship at the earliest possible date.

Confirmation and First Communion services (including those planned for tomorrow, Saturday) will therefore not be possible during this period and will have to be postponed. Permissions already granted to priests to celebrate Confirmations remain valid for a rescheduled date. Any celebration of these Sacraments -such as in schools or other places – constitutes public worship and is covered by this restriction and should not take place. I understand the concerns that this may bring to many families.

I am aware of the fact that these measures will be painful for many. The decisions are made to respond in the best possible way to an unforeseen and complex situation. The Holy See’s Congregation for Divine Worship in a recent letter, approved by Pope Francis, noted that restrictions should be limited in time and that as soon as circumstances permit it is urgent to return to the normality of Christian life. It also stressed unambiguously the gratitude of the Congregation to Bishops who “in listening to and collaborating with civil authorities and experts… have been prompt to make difficult and painful decisions even to the point of suspending the participation of the faithful in the celebration of the Eucharist for a long period”

Today, we find ourselves sadly in that situation once again and we are called to make painful sacrifice for the common good. The Holy See’s Letter stresses that “Aware that God never abandons the humanity He has created, and that even in the hardest trials can bear fruits of grace, we [should accept] our distance from the Lord’s altar as a time of Eucharistic fasting, useful for us to rediscover its vital importance, beauty and immeasurable preciousness”.

I appeal to all to enter into this difficult period with that spirit. We must pray that we can soon return to the Eucharist “with a purified heart, with a renewed amazement, with an increased desire to meet the Lord, to be with him, to receive him and to bring him to our brothers and sisters with a life full of faith, love and hope.”

As you are aware the annual collection for Crosscare was planned to take place over this weekend. Please encourage people not to overlook this important collection. Donations can be made online at www.crosscare.ie

+Diarmuid Martin

18^th September 2020

URGENT NOTICE CONCERNING THE PASTORAL SITUATION IN

COUNTY DUBLIN UNDER CHANGED CORONAVIRUS NORMS

10 am 18 September 2020

It now seems most likely that the entire County Dublin will be placed on Level 3 of the Governments COVID-19 Resilience and National Recovery Plan, beginning at midnight tonight for a three-week period.

I will send out more definitive guidance when the decisions are announced later, but I feel it is good to send this preliminary advice based on the published general Level 3 advice.

The norms apply only to Churches and Oratories within County Dublin. It does not apply to the Churches in the Archdiocese of Dublin in Counties Wicklow, Wexford, Kildare and Laois.

It is likely therefore that places of worship will remain closed from midnight tonight, except for private prayer, weddings and funerals. Attendance at wedding liturgies and funerals would be limited to 25. Religious services can be transited online with no public presence.

Effectively this places Churches in the position they were before the reopening earlier this summer, or as the situation was in counties Kildare and Laois early this month.

Confirmation and First Communion services will therefore not be possible during this period and will have to be postponed. Permission already granted for Confirmations remain valid for the new date.

Link to Bishops Conference Checklist

Bishops Conference Guidance & Checklist for Churches

Please follow the link below for detailed HSE Covid-19 Guidance for Religious Services. This guidance is compatible with Diocesan norms and should be followed carefully.

HSE Guidance for Religious Services

CORONAVIRUS PASTORAL ADVICE

15 September 2020

For the moment, the entire diocese is considered to be at Level 2 of the government’s new COVID-19 Resilience and National Recovery Plan. For your information, please see below the norms for Stage 2 for religious services. They remain as current advice. Should County Dublin at some stage pass to Level 3, more stringent norms will apply about which I will inform you.

Stage 2

“Religious services

Open with protective measures (for example, appropriate social distancing, one-way traffic within the venue, removal of communal prayer items) for up to 50 worshippers.

Where the premises allows for a capacity of greater than 50 this may be permitted in separated sub-groupings of no more than 50, with additional protective measures as per guidelines.

Up to 50 people can attend a wedding ceremony and reception.”

+Diarmuid Martin

15^th September 2020

UPDATED CORONAVIRUS PASTORAL ADVICE FOR PRIESTS AND PARISHES

10 September 2020

I have received a number of queries concerning comments of the Acting Chief Medical Officer about gatherings in households after Baptism and First Holy Communion liturgies. The comments of the CMO were clearly about celebrations in households and did not refer to religious ceremonies themselves.

Indeed I have been receiving many positive comments on the manner in which First Holy Communion liturgies are being celebrated in small groups, with full respect for the social distancing and face covering norms. Many have found these intimate celebrations – often with the participation of just both parents – more prayerful and reflective than the traditional larger school-class based ceremonies.

Where these norms are being respected and where the religious ceremony is carried out safely with thoughtfulness and dignity, I see no reason – as some have suggested – that such liturgies should be cancelled. However we have to be careful that our liturgies do not – despite our efforts – become the occasion of irresponsible behaviour by families when they return home. If such irresponsible behaviour were to continue, the public health authorities would rightly become concerned.

This is something that should be stressed at eventual registration for First Holy Communions and at possible practices for the ceremony. The current increase in infections in the greater Dublin area requires scrupulous adherence to the restrictions on household gatherings.

Similarly the special norms regarding the numbers who may attend regular religious services (50 people or “pods” of 50 people) are conditional on ensuring that there be staggered entry and exiting from Churches to prevent large gatherings after a religious ceremony. If Churches were to become the focus of large gatherings, this could easily lead to restrictions being introduced.

I am aware of the challenge this places on priests who despite asking people not to gather, find that their advice is at times not being respected. It is not the task of priests to have to police such situations. However, we have to strongly remind people that the restrictions in place are not arbitrary or optional. It is a question of Christian responsibility and solidarity in the common task of limiting the spread of the virus.

CORONAVIRUS ADVICE TO PARISHES

Update September 8th

The Acting Chief Medical Officer has drawn attention to the worrying increase in people contracting the Coronavirus in the greater Dublin area. He addressed an urgent appeal for strict observance of all the hygiene measures that are needed at this moment.

It is important that our parishes and Churches give good example and that we remind people of our common responsibility to prevent the spreading of the virus.

In my experience parishes have been scrupulous in respecting the current norms. Stewarding has been correct without being offensively martial. Numbers attending have not been great but there has been a slow increase as people begin to overcome initial fears. First communions and confirmations have taken place in small groups and I have heard many positive comments on the prayerful atmosphere of these celebrations.

There are indications however that social distancing in some cases has become loose, especially before and after liturgical ceremonies. I know that the public health authorities have contacted several bishops concerned about breaches of social distancing.

I have seen some examples in our Dublin Churches and indeed some parishes have published photos on parish websites that indicate poor practice. I would ask all parishes to examine carefully how they can foster staggered exiting from Churches and prevent gatherings at Church entrances.

In addition, I would remind parishes that the norms which permit gatherings of up to 50 people or “pods” of 50 people in Church buildings applies to religious services alone. For any other gatherings such as meetings or concerts, the limit is 6 people.

For the moment the framework document of the Irish Bishops, requires strict limitation on concelebration. In such cases, concelebrants should receive from separate vessels. Concelebrants must receive under both species and it is not permitted for concelebrants to receive under one species alone.

There is a growing awareness internationally that “visors” provide less protection than face masks. While the current public health norms permit the use of “visors” where there are health reasons for not wearing face masks prudence is advised.

Should a participant at liturgies and especially a priest, deacon or parish worker contract the virus, they should inform the public health authorities and facilitate tracing measures and follow public health advice regarding deep cleaning of the Church building where this is required.

Once again I am happy that for the most part Churches are exemplary in their respect for the norms. The growing number of cases in the greater Dublin area would urge us to be particularly vigilant at this moment.

For your convenience, I reproduce below the general liturgical advice from the Irish Bishops Framework document.

A return to public worship, even gradually, will be a source of great joy and hope to our parish communities. Public health considerations will, however, require some practical adjustments to the way we celebrate our liturgies. These should not in any way compromise the integrity of the liturgy and every effort should be made to support active participation and prayerful and joyful celebration.

The following should be noted:

The dispensation from the Sunday and Holy Day obligation is extended for the time being.

Careful consideration should be given to the number of priests and other liturgical ministers that can be safely accommodated in the sanctuary, allowing for physical distancing and ease of movement.

The sanctuary area should be arranged in such a way that those exercising a liturgical role can do so while respecting the required physical distance.

Concelebration should be limited, and concelebrants should receive Communion under both kinds using separate chalices or by intinction.

Deacons should continue to proclaim the Gospel and give the Homily, but caution should be exercised regarding ministering at the altar for the time being.

Parishes are recommended to have designated places for Readers and Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion.

In the interests of physical distancing, parishes may wish, for the time being, to limit music ministry to a single cantor and a single instrumentalist.

Altar servers should assist only when all physical distancing/hygiene considerations have been taken into account, and with careful supervision.

Regarding processions, the simple Entrance and Recessional format is recommended at this time.

Rather than an Offertory Procession, the gifts of bread and wine should be brought by the celebrant from a credence table, placed near the altar, which will also hold the water bowl and finger towel.

Care should be taken to avoid the contamination of the hosts which are to be consecrated. It is recommended liturgical practice to consecrate at each Mass a sufficient number of hosts for that celebration only.

At this time, the optional exchange of the Sign of Peace can be omitted, or offered in a manner which avoids any physical contact.

The procession for people approaching for Holy Communion should be carefully planned. Stewards may assist if required.

For the time being, it is recommended that Communion should not be given under both kinds, and should be received in the hand.

Priests and Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion should visibly sanitise their hands both before and after the distribution of Communion.

Priests and ministers should wear a face-covering while distributing Communion.

It is advisable to provide a small table at each point of distribution with a bottle of sanitiser. This would enable the priest/minister to re-sanitise their hands if necessary during the distribution of Communion.

Care should be taken to thoroughly clean all vessels and to change purificators and finger towels after each Mass.

Daily Update Thursday 20 August 2020

ADVICE ON Covid-19 MEASURES

Attendance at religious services: The following is the authentic government position regarding attendance a religious ceremonies and funerals in the light of yesterday’s announcements:

“The situation regarding Religious Services in places of worship (including Funerals) remains unchanged (i.e. pods of up to 50 with social distancing etc., with the exception of counties Laois, Offaly and Kildare where the number is 25 at present).

The limit of 6 is for indoor settings in homes and applies to funeral related events in private homes (e.g. Wakes etc.).”

It is important that we strictly adhere to these norms. For your convenience, I reprint them below:

“Where the size of the premises allows for a capacity of greater than 50 this may be permitted only where:

Social distancing guidelines are adhered to

The premises can be subdivided into distinct sections (cordoned or marked appropriately) of not more than 50 persons in each section

There is a minimum of 4m between sections

Each section having its own entrance/exit route

There are separate arrangements for elements of the service involving close contact, e.g. the distribution of Holy Communion

Strictly no movement of people between sections before, during or after the service

The premises is well-ventilated.

Account must also be taken regarding the risk of congregation by people outside before and after any services, having regard to outdoor overall limits on mass gatherings and arrangements for staggered exiting after ceremonies

The use of face coverings is strongly recommended for such indoor settings”.

The use of facemasks: I am being asked if the wearing of facemasks is obligatory during religious services. As you will see from above the use of face coverings by all those attending indoor religious services if is strongly recommended. This means that non-wearing of face coverings should only occur in exceptions circumstances. In certain circumstances, (and this would include smaller Churches or places that are not well ventilated) the wearing of face coverings is obligatory by virtue of the general norms and is legally binding.

The Framework Document of the Irish Bishops and the HSE guidance say that face coverings are obligatory on priests, deacons and lay ministers for the distribution of Holy Communion.

Presence of parents at the celebration of the sacraments: I wish to repeat what I have already communicated regarding the right of both parents to attend the administration of the sacraments of their children. This is diocesan policy. There is absolutely no urgency to hurriedly conclude First Communion or Conformation ceremonies within a short period. They can easily be spread-out over the coming months.

Some parishes are proposing to limit access to sacraments to only one of the parents of a child. While I understand the logic of such a proposal in order to reduce numbers. I feel that it is contrary to the fundamental principle in which parents are the primary educators of their children and to exclude one parent from an important event in the faith life of their child would undermine this fundamental principle. Parents are not just spectators at First Communion and Confirmation. There are natural protagonists in fostering the faith life of their children. I am therefore asking that in all ceremonies of First Communion and Confirmations both parents should by right be enabled to participate.

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Daily Update Wednesday August 12th 2020

ADVICE ON THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE SACRAMENTS DURING THE PANDEMIC

I am very much aware of the strain that is currently being placed on parishes and priests as attempts are being made to address the backlog in the administration of the Sacraments of First Communion and Confirmation due to the pandemic. In many places, ceremonies have now been postponed for months. With the challenges of social distancing and restricted access to Churches, ceremonies have had to be multiplied.

In particular, I see the special problems that parishes and Churches in Counties Kildare and Laois are facing where there may have to be further postponements. We do not know how long that lockdown will last or indeed whether there may in future be similar local lockdowns.

Many parishes have already set out their programmes and have applied for permission for local priests to administer Confirmation. Much of the preparation is taking place while schools are closed and preparation falls entirely on the shoulders of parishes with limited resources.

As we look towards the future, we realise that preparation for the sacraments will take place with greater emphasis on parents and parish, alongside schools. In the Archdiocese of Dublin, many Catholic children attend non-Catholic schools and are already being prepared in parishes. The current pandemic illustrates how challenging that new situation will be for parishes.

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Daily Update Tuesday August 11th 2020

CLARIFICATION REGARDING THE USE OF FACE MASKS

I have received a number of enquiries regarding the use of face masks for the distribution of Holy Communion during the current pandemic.

Both the Hierarchy’s Framework Document and the HSE instructions affirm clearly that face masks should be worn by all priests, deacons and extraordinary ministers during the distribution of Holy Communion.

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Daily Update Friday July 3rd 2020

Places of Worship

Detailed Covid-19 Guidance has been developed for religious services. The Cabinet Committee reviewed the guidance, which state that an assessment should be carried out for each premises to determine how many can attend within the requirements of social distancing.

The Cabinet Committee decided that where the size of the premises allows for a capacity of greater than 50 this may be permitted only where:

Social distancing guidelines are adhered to
The premises can be subdivided into distinct sections (cordoned or marked appropriately) of not more than 50 persons in each section
There is a minimum of 4m between sections
Each section having its own entrance/exit route
There are separate arrangements for elements of the service involving close contact, e.g. the distribution of Holy Communion
Strictly no movement of people between sections before, during or after the service
The premises is well-ventilated.

DAILY UPDATE – 30 JUNE 2020

Numbers permitted to attend public worship: Up to this moment, the maximum number authorised to be present for any Church service is 50 people. This number is still in force and is not discretional. The number 50 includes all those who are present, including celebrant, cantor, readers, ministers of the Eucharist and stewards.

I am well aware of the difficulty this brings within large Churches, and I have made my concern known publicly. Contacts are in place to address these problems but as yet no decision has been reached.

I must however make it clear that any disregard for this cap of 50 people or disregard of social distancing norms could prejudice the possibility of change. Going it alone could well damage the good of all.

Numbers permitted to be present at funeral liturgies: the maximum number permitted to be present at a funeral liturgy has been raised to 50 people, where they can be accommodated with all social distancing measures applied. This means that in small Churches the number may be less than 50.

The numbers who can attend in cemeteries and crematoria will depend on local cemetery authorities.

Social distancing and not touching surfaces must be respected. This involves not embracing the family of the deceased, not touching coffins and not gathering outside Churches without social distancing.

People who are recommended to “cocoon”: I have already drawn attention to the basic principles of cocooning. They involve a balance between individual judgement and social responsibility:

“It is recognized that you have the right to exercise your own judgement as to the extent to which you consider the cocooning guidance appropriate for you. However, older people (aged 70 years and over) and those with pre-existing chronic conditions have been found to be more susceptible to COVID-19 infection and are most likely to experience severe consequences from infection so it is still recommended that you remain cocooned for your safety”.

In the earlier phases of the Roadmap, it was explicitly mentioned that those cocooning could leave their homes for exercise only, but attendance at religious services was explicitly excluded. The latest norms for Phase 3 have changed that advice which now reads:

“Other activities such as religious services, attending libraries and museums are also becoming available and you may wish to attend. However, it is important that you take the necessary precautions regarding physical distancing, hand washing and face covering to reduce your risk of infection”.

Again this involves the balance between individual judgment and social responsibility. It is not a generalized dispensation from the guidance. Individuals must examine how their decisions may affect others and indeed endanger their own health. Priests should take advice before making any decision. It is not simply a question of personal yearning. Priests over 70 who celebrate Mass should abstain from any face-to-face contact such as the distribution of Holy Communion.

Parishes that have returned their checklists: the vast majority of parishes have returned their checklists regarding their preparation for possible reopening for public worship. I would ask the few remaining parishes to return their checklists so that we can reassure all our faithful of our common commitment.

+Diarmuid Martin

Tuesday 30th June

UPDATE – 26 JUNE 2020

I had an online meeting this afternoon with the Secretary General to the Government about the discussion at and the decisions taken by yesterday’s Cabinet meeting.

The Chief Medical Officer (CMO) and the Public Health authorities were against making any exception for Churches from the maximum number of 50 at indoor gatherings. They had specific concerns about Churches: these included the problem of access and exit from Churches and especially in car parks; they felt that the larger of any gathering, the greater the risk; they referred to examples from overseas where outbreaks occurred around Church gatherings; they were concerned about the possibility of community singing fostering the spread of droplets.

The Cabinet was anxious to widen the possibilities for Churches but was not prepared simply to lay aside the view of the CMO.

The result is that the number of 50 remains the norm for Churches at this moment.

The Government has however initiated a process whereby the norms of the HSE and those of the Churches would be examined and positions of agreement identified. The intention of the Government was to complete this process in the course of the coming week. It is hoped that an agreement could be reached which would permit removing the cap of 50, if wider health advice is followed. There was a recognition that the needs of the Catholic Church were different to those of smaller denominations where congregations were generally smaller.

It was felt that a new incoming government would follow the same path as was decided yesterday.

Any further recommendation would however have to be submitted once again to the CMO and there is no guarantee that he would accept the conclusion.

In practice this means that our parishes will have to observe the number of 50 people present at any function for the moment and the hope is that before next weekend, when Sunday Mass reopens, some flexibility will have emerged.

Checklists: I have already received and accepted Checklists from a very large number of parishes and in the past hours I have received many more. Some parishes have decided that they are not prepared to re-open just yet. I am very grateful for all the effort that has been put into place over the past weeks. The reopening of Churches for public worship will be a great moment in Church life and an enhancement to priests in their ministry after a difficult time.

In the light of the concerns expressed by the public health authorities it is important that in these early days we do all we can to manage scrupulously the measures for personal and public safety of our congregations.

DAILY UPDATE – 25 JUNE 2020

Public health norms: at the moment of writing these notes, the revised public health norms for the next Phase of the Roadmap have not been finalised and published. Tomorrow morning I will send out detailed information about any new norms regarding the numbers permitted to attend in Church for public worship.

Return checklists: Please return all parish check lists by tomorrow Friday at the latest, so that approval can be granted or observation made. We have only a very short time before 29 June.

It is important that we maintain consensus on what we want to achieve and earn public support. Those who feel they can go it alone will put the commitment of the majority at risk.

I would ask that you inform me also in cases where a parish has decided not to reopen Churches on 29 June.

Communion for the sick and housebound: there will be many elderly or vulnerable people who will not be able to attend Mass when Churches reopen or who may be fearful.

We should not overlook the possibility, while respected public health norms, of having communion brought to them by our extraordinary ministers or, when considered prudent, by a close family member who lives with them.

+Diarmuid Martin

Thursday 25 June 2020

DAILY UPDATE – 24 JUNE 2020

What should we be doing over the next few days: In the first place, we should be finalising our communications strategy within each parish to inform parishioners of our arrangements for the reopening of Churches for public worship. I am very happy with the responses that I am receiving from parishes. These responses show a very large degree of consensus on what has to be done and on the level of preparation that exists. This has been a mammoth task for parishes and I ask you to express my thanks to the many who have worked on this preparation.

People will need specific information about the times of Masses and on the fact that attendance will be limited. We should remind people that the Sunday obligation is suspended and people may fulfil their obligation by attending Mass on any day of the week. We should remind people that they may choose to attend Mass on a day other than Sunday. Webcam transmissions should continue and those unable to attend Mass should be informed of this service that has been such a vital one.

Attention should be given before re-opening to a general cleansing of Churches that have remained underused over the past months.

Is there a generalised cap on attendance at Mass? At the moment the generalised cap of 50 people attending any religious service is the norm.

However the government has announced that it is examining the possibility of moving to a solution that looks at proportionality with the size of a Church. This is currently being examined by the public health authorities and there is a Cabinet meeting tomorrow Thursday. Further guidance may be available either tomorrow or on Friday.

For any changed policy to be effective, each parish will have already worked out the maximum number that their Church can hold with safety regulations and social distancing in place. This number should be made public and the number should be displayed at the entry doors to a Church.

We should be prudent with numbers in the early days to allow us time to get some experience of managing numbers. Each parish must however be clear about its responsibility to guarantee that numbers are respected.

Larger numbers become more difficult to manage and could indeed increase the risk of contagion, especially as people leave the Church or in car parks where social distancing could easily break down.

Reception of Holy Communion: each parish should have clear guidance on whether the faithful should process to the altar to receive Holy Communion or whether ministers should distribute Holy Communion by moving the aisle. I do not favour the idea of people being called row by row to come for Holy Communion. This inevitably leads to people who really do not want to receive Holy Communion feeling obliged to come forward.

Holy Communion should be received within the celebration of the Eucharist. It is an integral part of the celebration of Eucharist. Holy Communion should be distributed at the appropriate moment within the liturgy and not outside or after Mass.

Questions still being examined by the public health authorities: The public health authorities are still examining the question of the numbers who may attend funerals. There is the fear that as restrictions become looser, that very large numbers could present for funerals.

The Church of Ireland guidance includes maintaining lists for possible contact purposes of all those who attend a Church service. This would be more difficult for our Churches with large attendance. It is not happening in shopping centres, but will be obligatory for restaurants. Government guidance has yet to be provided.

What happens if someone takes ill in a Church building? : our diocesan guidance has not dealt with this in detail. Each parish should consider having a designated room, to which admission is restricted, and to which a person could be transferred if they feel ill or begin to suspect that they may have the virus. The room would remain isolated unto health officials could attend.

Deacons: Deacons exercise a specific role in the liturgy. They should read the Gospel, rather than the celebrant or any other priest present. They could make brief announcements concerning the conducting of the liturgy and arrangements for Holy Communion. They should for the moment, not be present to assist at the altar.

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As is have said on a number of occasions, norms are necessary but they are never just an end in themselves. We cannot auto-dispense ourselves from respecting norms that are there to protect people from a very harsh virus. However, we should not end up so entangled with norm-making that we overlook the fact that we are returning to the richness of celebrating Eucharist and the sacraments and to nourishing God’s people with the word of God. People should feel welcome and not frightened. We should feel encouraged in our ministry and service to renew a commitment to building faith communities in a complicated world to be communities where the love of God revealed to in Jesus Christ is witnessed to with renewed commitment.

Finally, I am aware that there are still many questions to which it is not possible to give definitive answers while we await clearer government guidance. As soon as such guidance becomes available I will let you know.

+Diarmuid Martin

Wednesday 24 June 2020

DAILY UPDATE – 20 JUNE 2020

Over the past few weeks, parishes have placed a huge investment, both in energy and financial resources, into preparing our Churches to be ready for the reopening of public worship on 29 June.

Our people have shown great patience in scrupulously respecting the restrictions on attendance at public worship. Priests and parishes have shown creativity in reaching out by online means of transmitting Mass and providing spiritual nourishment and prayer. Our people have equally been looking forward to being able to join fully in congregational worship. This is something that is very important for their spiritual life and personal well being and it is indeed effectively their right.

It is obviously disappointing that with the reopening for public worship there is a blanket restriction to the participation of a maximum of 50 in these first weeks. You will know that I have already expressed my view that in this initial period we should be patient and to allow the new situation to settle down. I feel that this is wise and I believe that many of our Mass-goers will themselves be cautious in attending larger gatherings of people.

However, it seems strange that in a Church with a capacity of 1,500 people which has been scrupulously fitted out for conformity with social distancing and with clear indications about movement and interaction of people within Church, that only 50 people might be present, while we all see a situation in which large retail outlets brimming with people.

I hope that it will be possible to come to a more reasonable and responsible situation in which numbers permitted to attend Mass could be proportionate to the size of each Church. The numbers would not be very large. In some cases, it is not just a question of the limitation to 50 people in a large parish Church, but this would effectively mean that only 50 people out of a parish of over 10,000 might be able to attend.

For the moment, we are obliged to follow the public health norms. It may be possible to hold additional Masses on Sundays and to continue normally with weekday Masses where numbers are not normally large.

In preparing for Confirmation in this interim period, it is important to ensure that for the moment only 50 people should be present in Churches, even if this means limiting the number of candidates to probably no more than ten families.

+Diarmuid Martin

Saturday 20 June

Framework Document for a Return to the Public Celebration of Mass and the Sacraments

DAILY UPDATE – 18 JUNE 2020

I am grateful to those parishes that have already returned their Check List for return to Public Worship. I know that in most parishes preparations are well under way. There is no doubt but that this preparation is challenging for some parishes. What is important to remember is that these preparations and restrictions are not an end in themselves. The dominant theme in our reflections now must be to rejoice in the fact that we are moving towards renewal in our liturgical and parish life.

We must be attentive to the natural fear and apprehension that some people may have. We can apply the health and safety measures and at the same time show clearly that we rejoice that the public celebration of Mass and the Sacraments is an opportunity to receive new graces and support for our lives, consolation for those who have been bereaved and hope for those who are experiencing economic hardship and challenges to their health and wellbeing.

We should find ways of showing support and making a special welcome those who have lost loved ones during the crisis.

What should we be doing in these final days?

We should be informing parishioners of the timetable of reopening and of the times of Masses.
We should also be giving indications of the numbers that our Church can accommodate and suggest that people attend Mass on weekdays and not just as on Sundays.
We should be informing those involved about arrangements for the celebration of Confirmation from mid-July onwards and arrangements to manage the numbers at each ceremony
We should be looking to carry out on the days immediately before reopening a thorough cleaning of Churches that may not have been open for some time. There are some specialised firms that can provide that service on a commercial basis. In some cases, a parish team could undertake that process.

Look after yourself: Priests have undergone a difficult time over these past weeks. This takes its toll even if we do not always realise it. There is no doubt that priests feel a special responsibility for everything that takes place in their parish. However, the priest cannot nor should not attempt to do all himself.

We are fortunate in our parishes that there are many lay people more than willing to play their part and provide support to their priests. Working together, priest and people, will be the way forward in the years to come and it is important to build up a relationship of trust. Priests should also look after themselves and look after on another. Days off, attending to personal interests, physical exercise, spiritual growth are all-important.

Some of you will have taken part in the on line survey being planned by Father Hugh Lagan. In case you have not seen this, I attach a way of taking part. The survey will provide useful ideas for the future.

People ask me about the position of priests over 70 and those with underlying medical conditions. Those of us over 70 and with underlying medical conditions are not exempt from the overall norms. There are no specific exemptions for priests over 70. The fundamental public health advice is that advice anyone over 70 or with an underlying condition should continue to remain at home. At the moment they may meet outside their home with small groups of up to 6 people. Let me quote the general advice:

If you are over 70 years of age or have an underlying medical condition listed above, you are at very high risk of severe illness as a result of COVID-19.

Cocooning is a practice used to protect those over 70 and those extremely medically vulnerable people from coming into contact with coronavirus.

It is recognised that you have the right to exercise your own judgement as to the extent to which you consider the cocooning guidance appropriate for you. However, older people (aged 70 years and over) and those with pre-existing chronic conditions have been found to be more susceptible to COVID-19 infection and are most likely to experience severe consequences from infection so it is still recommended that you remain cocooned for your safety. Should you wish to visit someone, receive visitors in your home, visit shops, and engage in other outdoor activities, you should continue to strictly adhere to the public health and social distancing guidance.

The fact that it is recognised that each individual can make his or her own judgement does not mean that we can simply dispense ourselves from the norms. The responsibility to observe the norm is a very serious obligation to ourselves and to those around you. We are being asked to take measures to protect others, and that is a serious Christian responsibility. Priests should seriously reflect and take advice before undertaking any public ministry. No priest over 70 should feel obliged to undertake ministry. Any such ministry should be rare and only in circumstances that are considered essential. It is not simply about personally wanting to return to our ministry. Close contact and above all face-to-face contact should be avoided (this might include the administration of Holy Communion). Social distancing and hand hygiene should be scrupulously respected. Visiting vulnerable people in their homes should to be avoided. Staying at home is still the basic advice.

+Diarmuid Martin

June 18th 2020

Framework Document for a Return to the Public Celebration of Mass and the Sacraments

DAILY UPDATE – 16 JUNE 2020

The question of the celebration this year of the Sacrament of Confirmation is uppermost in the thoughts and plans of many parishes. Families are anxious to have specific dates.

At the moment, Confirmation is linked largely to Sixth Class in Catholic primary schools, although in the Archdiocese of Dublin there is now a very large number of Catholic children who do not attend Catholic schools and are prepared for the Sacraments by a catechist chosen by parents in cooperation with the parish.

As the year progresses, it is going to be increasingly difficult to contact families about Confirmation. I have already suggested that parishes should be sure to have up-to-date lists of the names and addresses of parents who have applied for their children to be confirmed so that they can be contacted in the weeks and months ahead. This year, August may become a high point for family holidays and some children, catechists and teachers may not be readily available.

It will not be possible to hold the traditional large Confirmations for each parish or school. Indeed, with whatever social distancing norms are in place at the time, the numbers who will be able to attend an individual Confirmation ceremony will be reduced and this means that a series of separate ceremonies will have to be planned. In some cases this number may be larger than one would at first imagine. This will happen at a time when we are already suggesting that people be encouraged to attend weekday rather than just Sunday Mass. This will constitute a considerable burden on some parishes. Teams of volunteers – linked for example with “You shall be my witnesses” – will be needed to organise and support liturgies. Although it is highly desirable that Confirmation be celebrated within Mass, it may take place outside Mass.

At the moment, there is considerable difference of opinion among priests about the best time to celebrate Confirmations and about how to manage numbers and there are many requests for guidance.

At their recent meeting, the Irish Bishops proposed that Confirmations should begin “late in the summer”. I am not anxious to impose a one- size-fits-all procedure for all parishes and I know that some flexibility is needed. We do however need a period of time after 29 June, when Churches reopen for public worship, to observe how the situation is evolving and allow the new reality settle in. Confirmations should not begin before the middle of July and should where possible should be completed by Mid-October.

Personally I do not feel that rushing Confirmations just in order to get them done will be the best experience for the children involved. Confirmation is an important milestone in a child’s faith life and it should be an experience the child will remember for life. Preparation events, like Ceremonies of Light or Retreat Days, are important elements in the spiritual formation of candidates and ought not to be simply laid aside this year in order to “get confirmations done”.

Each Parish will plan and carry out the administration of Confirmation. It should be remembered that a priest can “validly celebrate confirmation only by way of a special grant from the competent authority” (Canon 882, #1). This authorization – which will be willingly granted by me – must be requested for each ceremony. A single application should be made through the Chancellery listing all the dates for which delegation is requested.

While social distancing allows households who live together to be seated alongside each other in a Church bench, it would not be correct to identify such a group simply as one person. Social distancing requires also that the overall numbers attending in Church must be manageable in terms of the Framework norms. For some time in the future, there will be limitations on large indoor gatherings.

How might we limit attendance? Some suggest limiting the number to the parents, one sponsor and the candidate. Others suggest a specific number per family. We should not overlook the fact that confirmation is a family occasion, especially for grandparents.

In the future, the celebration of confirmation will be very much the responsibility of each parish and not simply of the school. The current pandemic will be an interesting occasion for us to come to understand exactly the level of responsibility that will be falling on parishes in the future and the need to build up teams of volunteer catechists in each parish.

I am open to any suggestions or requests that individual parishes may wish to bring up. As we gain some experience it may be necessary to be more prescriptive.

DAILY UPDATE – Monday 15 JUNE 2020

You will find below the Check List that each parish should complete and return at the latest early next week. Where it is not possible to ensure the measures indicated, then you should wait until this is possible before opening. Failure to respect public health norms could have consequences for your insurance cover.

Some of the preparations are onerous. I believe that there is a willingness on the part of parish communities to provide support to their priests in this regard. The Diocesan Finance Secretariat has already provided indications about bulk buying of resources. In the next few days, I hope to provide some more concrete support to assist with local training. The Diocesan Finance Secretariat will provide more detailed suggestions regarding secure means for receiving contributions.

Cooperation between Churches in the same grouping or neighbouring parishes would be helpful in publicising a roster of Mass times throughout the week to reduce the risk of too many people presenting at any one time.

In all our communications we must require full respect for norms. The norms however should not blind us from what is more important: our overall attitude should be one of joyful anticipation of our parish community being able to begin a new moment in the faith life and renewal of our parishes.

+Diarmuid Martin

Monday 15 June 2020

Archdiocese of Dublin – Checklist for Parishes

Each parish needs to be able to stand over that all the necessary pre-opening tasks have been completed. If not, this may have implications regarding your insurance coverage. If your church is not ready, then wait until you are fully ready before opening. It may not be possible for all Churches to reopen.

Please return this completed and signed form to the Dublin Diocese Liturgy Resource Centre, Holy Cross Diocesan Centre, Clonliffe Road, Dublin, Dublin 3 D03 P2E7 or via return e-mail before you begin the public celebration of the Eucharist and other Sacraments.

Parish of______________________________________

Church of _____________________________________

Standard Required	Yes / No
We have established a “Return to Church” steering group, to plan, provide training, oversee and monitor the reopening process.
We have identified, trained and assigned specific responsibilities to a team of stewards
We have identified and trained a team of volunteer church cleaners and we have established clear indications regarding the cleansing of sacred vessels and finger towels.
We have identified the optimum number who may be present in each Church for any celebration. This number will be communicated widely.
We have marked out the seating to promote physical distancing supported by appropriate signage
We have made known ways to encourage Mass attendance not just on Sundays, and have adopted a policy to follow where more people present for Mass than the optimal number.
We have established separate entrance and exit doors that can be regularly sanitised and where needed propped open.
We have laid down ground markings outside the entrance to the Church, and indicating a directional system inside the Church and a return way to and on return from Holy Communion.
We have agreed norms for access to sacristies and other rooms and have approved appropriate norms regarding Church toilets.
We have established a way for Holy Communion to be safely brought to the sick and those who choose to continue to follow Mass via parish online, parish webcam, radio or television.
We have planned and prepared a secure means for receiving contributions without the need to pass bags or baskets
We have developed an area suitable for the Sacrament of Reconciliation

Signed: _______________________ PP/Adm. Date: / /2020

Approved: ___________________ Archbishop of Dublin / /2020

Archbishop Martin’s DAILY UPDATE – 14 JUNE 2020

Feast of Corpus Christi

While parishes are putting much effort into the preparation of Church buildings for their reopening for public worship on 29 June, we also have to begin the wider reflection on the future of Church life for the months to come.

In the short term, we have to reflect on the celebration of the Eucharist in the current phase of safe distancing. One of the essential dimensions of the Mass is that of gathering and coming together as a faith community. At the Eucharistic Congress in 2012, we celebrated the Eucharist as Communion with Christ and Communion with one another. Watching the televised transmission of Mass in other countries, including that of Pope Francis this morning, it is obvious that safe distancing makes a feeling of communion and community more difficult. In these early days, liturgies will have to be celebrated with care.

In the first case it would be helpful to remember those in the parish who have died since public worship was suspended, either through the Coronavirus or otherwise. They could be remembered in special prayers or lists of those who died could be placed in a prominent place.

Distancing could also lead to a deeper reflection on silence in the liturgy. It might even be the occasion to ask people to remain silent for a period before Mass begins in order to create a sense of prayerfulness.

It is advisable that ceremonies should not be prolonged unnecessarily. Homilies should be short and unnecessary interruptions reduced. All this will require attention to detail and a parish liturgy team could provide help.

There is no reason not to involve deacons, readers, cantors or Eucharistic ministers, once they fulfil the health conditions regarding safe distancing and face covering.

In these early weeks, there will be many who will not be able to or who may not wish to come to Church. Each parish should reflect on how Holy Communion can be brought to them in a worthy and prayerful manner. Holy Communion is not a commodity to be just delivered. The Church has a long tradition of bringing the Eucharist to the sick directly from the Eucharistic celebration. A short prayer service will be provided in the next few days to assist in this regard. The Irish Bishops have serious reservations regarding “drive in” Masses or Holy Communion Services.

In the longer term, as has been a challenge for some time, parishes must find ways to become focal points for faith formation of people of all ages, especially for our young people. We will have the opportunity to put this into practice as we prepare for the Confirmation of young people, who in many cases will have already left primary school. I have asked Donal Harrington and the Catechetical Team to prepare supports for parishes and the Bishops Conference will provide three videos to help in the final preparation for Confirmation.

Pope Francis has constantly stressed that while it is important for Churches to be open so that believers can gather, it is equally important that people go out through the same doors and bear witness to the love of God revealed in Jesus Christ to the society in which we live. Crosscare is intensifying its services especially of food to a growing number of people.

These difficult days have shown a great willingness of people to look out for and reach out to those who need a helping hand. Each parish should be alert to the growing challenge of loneliness, isolation and stress being felt and look at ways they can help build community.

Yesterday Pope Francis announced Stretch forth your hand to the poor as the theme for the World Day of the Poor to be held on 15 November next. The text is taken from the book of Sirach and Pope Francis observes that “now is a good time to recover the conviction that we need one another, that we have a shared responsibility for others and the world” and that “prayer to God and solidarity with the poor and suffering are inseparable.”

+Diarmuid Martin,

Sunday 14 June 2020

DAILY UPDATE – 12 JUNE 2020

After my update yesterday, I have been asked to provide more information regarding the plan which each parish is to prepare and send to me.

We are working on a simple check list which will be sent out early next week and which asks each parish to confirm that certain tasks have been undertaken.

It is important to remember that each parish needs to be able to stand over what task have been completed. If not, this may have implications regarding insurance coverage.

I have also been asked about the possibility of priests over 70 in good health resuming active ministry. It will be necessary to await ongoing advice on public health policy as regards “cocooning” as society opens.

An important yet delicate task for each parish to consider how to manage situations in which more people present for Mass than the Church is authorised to accommodate. In some cases, outdoor loudspeakers could transmit Mass to those who remain outside, and they could also be ministered to at Communion time. Each parish need to find ways of communicating to parishioners from Sunday 21^st June at the latest that attendance will be limited and to encourage people to attend on weekdays and not just Sundays.

Today I would like to provide some advice about physical preparation of Churches and signage.

Outside the Church: The doors of Churches should carry a sign that indicates the maximum number of people that a Church can contain under save distancing norms. A similar notice should appear at sacristies indicating the number of people who may be present in the sacristy at any given time.

Ground level markings outside Church entrances should indicate save distancing positions for queuing and overflow attendance.

There should be an indication of which doors are entry only and which exit only. Entrance doors should also carry a notice regarding hand sanitizer.

Inside the Church: A sufficient number of hand sanitizers should be present at each entrance. The number of sanitizers should be sufficient to facilitate a reasonable free flow and not cause undue delay.

A sign on each bench should indicate where people should kneel and a warning to keep the required distance. At the moment, the required distance is 2 meters. This may change, but until any change is announced, we must observe the current norm.

Arrows should mark the single direction in which people would be required to move on entry and towards exits.

To facilitate access to Holy Communion markings should indicate how to maintain correct distance while queuing. In addition to commercially provided signs, simple tapes could be used as markers.

Where adequate sanitation cannot be guaranteed in toilets, they should remain out of use.

Chairs should be provided as far as possible in the Sanctuary area for Ministers of the Word, Ministers of Holy Communion, Cantors and the Deacon. Where space in the Sanctuary is limited then space in nearby seats should be reserved, as there should be no processions.

+Diarmuid Martin

Friday June 12^th 2020

DAILY UPDATE – 11 JUNE 2020

I hope each day to provide an update on how parishes should be carrying out preparations for the return to Public Worship in our Churches planned for 29 June.

I know that in most parishes, preparations are well underway but it can be useful to receive reminders and check lists. With the Diocesan Liturgical Resource Centre, we are preparing a more detailed document to complement the general Framework.

Today I would like to draw attention to building up our pastoral teams in order to be ready for the opening.

Each parish should have a core parish team to monitor and supervise progress. This core group should not be too large, but should coordinate the contribution of such people as priests, deacons, full time parish workers, sacristans, representatives of the Parish Pastoral Council and parish liturgy groups.

Its first task is to identify a clear parish plan. This should be completed by the end of next week and sent in signed copy to me.

Next, it should work out a plan to recruit volunteers who will be needed to ensure that the management of the reopened Churches functions as it should. In general volunteers will be needed for stewarding, both inside and outside the Church. Someone will have to monitor an adequate supply of materials needed, including for signage and sanitizing. Volunteers will be needed to supervise cleaning after each service.

It will be necessary to indicate the maximum number of people who can enter the Church with safe social distancing (including people with special needs). The plan should examine how to limit entry to that number and how to manage if numbers exceed what is safe.

Unfortunately I have been receiving complaints about very large numbers attending funeral services. The government norms are that only 25 people may attend a funeral and this is limited still to relatives and very close friends and not the general public. It is important to remember that the opening of Churches on 29 June is still conditional on the progress of the virus and on our ability to monitor numbers.

+Diarmuid Martin

Thursday, June 11^th 2020

June 9th 2020

Dear Father, Dear Parishioners,

The weeks since the imposition of lockdown have been difficult weeks. We have had to impose severe restrictions on Church life that have caused suffering for all of us. Our parishes have however reacted in so many creative ways to animate Church life within the experience of lockdown and bring comfort to people. I thank all our parishes for what they have done.

Now we face a new stage. Our response has to be based on the same two actions: strict adherence to the norms of public health and renewed creativity as we embrace our congregations with a renewed enthusiasm.

The Framework Document for a Return to the Public Celebration of Mass and the Sacraments approved by the Irish Episcopal Conference, which I attach, is an important road map on that path. The document will be published later today. It was decided however that it should be sent to priests and parishes in advance.

This is a General Framework document and it will be for each diocese to put flesh on it and adapt it to local situations. There is however enough guidance in the Framework to enable each parish to move forward with the preparations which are already in many cases underway. In cooperation with the Diocesan Liturgical Resource Centre, over the next few days I will provide more detailed and specific suggestions for the Archdiocese of Dublin.

I would also be interested in hearing the views of parishes on the celebration of Confirmation and First Holy Communion in the coming months. In general, the celebration of Confirmation will be delegated to the local Parish Priest. Social distancing will mean that the numbers who will be able to attend any individual ceremony will be greatly reduced and thus will involve multiple ceremonies.

After the end of primary school term, candidates for confirmation will be moving on to secondary schools, often distant from their current parish. It is important that parishes make sure to have lists of the names and addresses of candidates so that contact can be made with their parents.

The Episcopal Conference is preparing three short videos will be available to parishes and be used as final preparation before reception of the sacraments.

Once again, I thank our parishes for what has been achieved under difficult situations. We should move forward now with enthusiasm and prudence. Be ready to open on that date which will be indicated; if you are not ready, do not open until you are; if it is not possible to fulfil the conditions, do not reopen.

Opening doors once again is just one step in the challenge of renewal. We face many new challenges and opportunities and I believe that we have learned many lessons during this lockdown which will help us face the future with hope.

+Diarmuid Martin

9^th June 2020

Statement of the Irish Catholic Bishops` Conference

on the publication of the Framework Document for a return to the public celebration of Mass and the Sacraments

9/6/20

Statement

As we look forward in joy and hope to the re-opening of our churches for the celebration of Mass and the Sacraments, we offer this Framework Document [see below] to the dioceses and parishes of Ireland. The purpose of this document is to assist priests and people in their own preparations and to help ensure that the re-opening of our churches for public worship happens in a safe and measured way. We realise that, given the rich variety of our church buildings and communities, the Framework will need to be adapted to suit differing situations on the ground. However, as our document states:

“in all circumstances the safety and health of people, ministers, and priests must be paramount. No church should be opened for public prayer or worship until satisfactory arrangements, as indicated in this Framework, have been put in place.”

This Framework has been developed in the light of extensive consultation across the dioceses of Ireland and we are very grateful to all who contributed thoughts, comments and suggestions. The document also takes cognisance of the most up-to-date public health advice and associated regulations and obligations.

At our meetings this week we have been keeping in our prayers all who have been affected by COVID-19 in our country and throughout the world. We are especially conscious of the pain and loss felt by so many grieving families. We acknowledge with immense gratitude the skill and courage of our medical professionals and carers. We appreciate deeply the prayers, sacrifice and perseverance of all our faithful. We greatly admire the efforts of the many parishioners who have generously volunteered in charitable outreach to the elderly, vulnerable and marginalised.

At the end of the month we hope to slowly and cautiously resume public worship in our churches, knowing that it can only happen in a limited way. We will still need patience, perseverance and self-sacrifice. The prescriptions contained in this Framework Document will only be effective if we have the generous support of volunteers who will help to plan, implement and manage the transition back to full parish life and the celebration of the sacraments. In this regard we appeal particularly to the younger members of our parishes. Their energy, creativity and enthusiasm are gifts that our communities need now more than ever, since some of our older generation may be unable to offer their normal help in the current circumstances.

We are also very conscious of the demands that this transition will place upon our priests, many of whom may still need to remain shielded from the virus. Together with Pastoral Councils and the support of laity, priests have risen to the challenges presented by the recent restrictions, often in innovative and creative ways, and with great generosity of spirit together with enduring commitment to the faith communities they serve. We hope that the return of communal worship will give new heart to our priests and parishes and that, in spite of the inevitable limitations to our celebrations, we may all be confirmed in faith and in our ministry.

For our families, our domestic churches, this has been a difficult time, especially in homes where the joyful celebrations of First Communion, Confirmation and other sacraments had been happily anticipated. It is our hope that in each diocese arrangements can be put in place to celebrate these sacraments as soon as practicable, albeit in ways that will be influenced by whatever restrictions may still be necessary for the protection of all.

The resumption of public worship should not mean simply going back to where we were before. We have been through testing times, but these months have opened up new possibilities for the future mission of the Church. This crisis has much to say to us about ourselves as a community of faith, about our identity and our way forward. We earnestly hope that what we have learned – as individuals, in the domestic churches of our family homes, and as ministers of Charity, Word and Sacrament – will enrich the life of our Church and increase the joy of our celebrations as the doors of our churches open slowly once more.

Framework Document for a return to the public celebration of Mass and the Sacraments

Introduction

This document is intended to support dioceses and parishes in their own preparations for a return to the public celebration of Mass and the sacraments and may be supplemented at diocesan level. These guidelines should be read in conjunction with return to work protocols and insurance advice. Diocesan bishops are encouraged to put in place appropriate mechanisms for the implementation and verification of the guidelines.

The guidelines provided in this document may need to be adapted in some cases, depending on factors such as the capacity and layout of churches, the size of the parish/church community, etc. However, in all circumstances the safety and health of people, ministers, and priests must be paramount. No church should be opened for public prayer or worship until satisfactory arrangements, as indicated in this Framework, have been put in place.

It is most important that people who are vulnerable or unwell, and especially those with any symptoms that might suggest Covid-19 infection, should stay at home and, if possible, participate, as now, via webcam, social media, television, or radio. The same applies to those who have been in recent contact with someone who has the virus, in accordance with public health advice.

Initial Steps

The following steps should be undertaken in each parish to ensure that the preparations in each church are efficiently and effectively planned.

ACTION

CONFIRM /

COMMENT

Establish a Covid-19 Support Team of parishioners to organise preparations and to oversee their implementation and verification. (the verification process may be assisted at Pastoral Area and/or Diocesan level)

Identify volunteers to assist with the implementation and verification.

Provide appropriate induction and training where necessary to priests, ministers, readers, employees and volunteers.

Secure an appropriate supply of signage, cleaning/sanitising materials and accessories and items necessary for protection.

Checklists

Dioceses and parishes should at all times follow the most up-to-date public health advice and associated regulations and obligations. To reduce the risk of transmission of Covid-19, public health advice emphasises the importance of strict adherence to physical distancing, good hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette, and regular cleaning and sanitising of shared spaces.

Physical (Social) Distancing

Public health authorities advise that people should maintain physical distance from each other (currently at least 2 metres). In our churches this will mean that the maximum number of people who can be accommodated for any communal prayer or liturgy will be much reduced. The demands of physical distancing will also need to be considered in relation to people entering the church and leaving it.

The following checklist is offered to assist dioceses and parishes in ensuring that physical distancing can be observed in our churches:

ACTION

CONFIRM / COMMENT

Having considered the most up-to-date advice on physical distancing, what is the number of people that can be accommodated safely in each church?

How will this be managed?

How will this be communicated to the people?

Have we clearly indicated the areas in the church where people can sit (e.g. by closing off rows of seats, allowing one person to sit at the end of each free row while permitting those from the same household to sit together, etc.)?

Have we stewards available, as necessary and appropriate, to assist people entering or leaving the church and to direct them to available seats?

Have we provided appropriate marking to help people to maintain physical distance, particularly when approaching for Holy Communion?

Have we taken account of the needs of people with disabilities?

Have we issued clear advice regarding people observing physical distancing while outside the church?

Is there appropriate signage to communicate these messages?

Maintenance of Hygiene

While each person has individual responsibility for following advice on hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette, the church environment should itself be as safe as any enclosed public space.

The following checklist is offered to assist dioceses and parishes in maintaining the standard of hygiene required in our churches at the present time.

ACTION

CONFIRM / COMMENT

Have all Holy Water fonts been emptied?

If it is decided to continue providing toilet facilities, are these clean and appropriately stocked?

Can doors be kept open when people are arriving and departing from Mass or other celebrations to minimise contact with door handles, etc. and to improve ventilation?

Have sufficient hand sanitisers been provided at all entrances and exits?

Has the issue of the sharing of missalettes been considered? (reusable prayer books, hymnals, hymn sheets, etc. should not be distributed at this time)

What safe mechanism has been put in place for taking up church collections (e.g. secure and supervised boxes near the doors of the church)?

Have we identified those areas and objects in the church which will require frequent cleaning (i.e. seats, ambo, microphones, shrines, door handles, etc.)?

Has a process been put in place to ensure the regular cleaning of these, including after every gathering?

Is there a schedule for, and appropriate monitoring of general cleaning and sanitising of the church, including the sacristy?

Liturgical Matters

The following should be noted:

The dispensation from the Sunday and Holy Day obligation is extended for the time being.

Careful consideration should be given to the number of priests and other liturgical ministers that can be safely accommodated in the sanctuary, allowing for physical distancing and ease of movement.

The sanctuary area should be arranged in such a way that those exercising a liturgical role can do so while respecting the required physical distance.

Concelebration should be limited, and concelebrants should receive Communion under both kinds using separate chalices or by intinction.

Deacons should continue to proclaim the Gospel and give the Homily, but caution should be exercised regarding ministering at the altar for the time being.

Parishes are recommended to have designated places for Readers and Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion.

In the interests of physical distancing, parishes may wish, for the time being, to limit music ministry to a single cantor and a single instrumentalist.

Altar servers should assist only when all physical distancing/hygiene considerations have been taken into account, and with careful supervision.

Regarding processions, the simple Entrance and Recessional format is recommended at this time.

Rather than an Offertory Procession, the gifts of bread and wine should be brought by the celebrant from a credence table, placed near the altar, which will also hold the water bowl and finger towel.

Care should be taken to avoid the contamination of the hosts which are to be consecrated. It is recommended liturgical practice to consecrate at each Mass a sufficient number of hosts for that celebration only.

At this time, the optional exchange of the Sign of Peace can be omitted, or offered in a manner which avoids any physical contact.

The procession for people approaching for Holy Communion should be carefully planned. Stewards may assist if required.

For the time being, it is recommended that Communion should not be given under both kinds, and should be received in the hand.

Priests and Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion should visibly sanitise their hands both before and after the distribution of Communion.

Priests and ministers should wear a face-covering while distributing Communion.

It is advisable to provide a small table at each point of distribution with a bottle of sanitiser. This would enable the priest/minister to re-sanitise their hands if necessary during the distribution of Communion.

Care should be taken to thoroughly clean all vessels and to change purificators and finger towels after each Mass.

At the celebration of the Sacrament of Baptism, the celebrant will sign the child with the Cross without touching.

A jug of fresh water will be blessed for the Baptism. For the time being, priests may prefer to have only one child (or children from one family) baptised in each ceremony. However, if there are a number of Baptisms in sequence, the same jug of Blessed Water could be used, but water may not be re-used from the font or basin.

The anointing with the Holy Oils will be administered by the use of cotton buds.

For the Sacrament of Reconciliation, provision should be made in the body of the Church for a confessional area. Consideration should be given to the privacy of the sacrament as well as the requirements of physical distancing and hygiene.

Communications

Each Diocese should plan for the clear and effective communication of all necessary protocols and procedures to all parishes in the Diocese.

Latest Coronavirus Updates for Parishes

Latest Coronavirus Updates for Parishes

Update

4th December

For clarity following last evening’s updated Covid-19 guidance, Religious Services in Places of Worship are unchanged regarding capacity, with all other protective measures in place to ensure the safety of the congregation.

Likewise, there are no changes to attendance at funeral services; however, any post-funeral service gatherings must comply with hospitality rules including no multiple table bookings.

With regard to wakes in private homes, general advice on household mixing is 3 other households (4 in total) applies.

Update

25th November

Please see the below link to the latest version of HSE Covid guidance for religious services, especially funerals.

COVID_religious settings.pdf (hpsc.ie)

Update

21st October

Further clarification has been received from Government regarding the announcement on Tuesday that from Friday October 22nd,

“ religious services and weddings can proceed without capacity limits but with all other protective measures remaining in place”.

The update from Government provides the following commentary:

This is a very positive measure, however it is imperative that all other Covid-19 protective measures remain in place in order to protect all members of our communities/congregations.

Update

19th October

Issued by the Government Press Office – 19th October 2021

COVID-19: Reframing the Challenge, Continuing our Recovery & Reconnecting

COVID-19 infection rates are once again increasing along with hospitalisation and ICU admissions. However, thanks to the hard work and exceptional support of the Irish people for the Vaccination Programme, we are in a position to continue our careful and gradual approach to re-opening.

We will need to continue to monitor the ongoing risk from the disease and, including through testing and contact tracing as appropriate.

We will all need to take steps individually and collectively in our everyday lives to keep this risk under control, in particular by:

acting fast, isolating and getting tested if we have symptoms;

wearing our face coverings where appropriate;

making sure that indoor spaces are well ventilated;

maintaining adequate social distancing whenever appropriate; and

covering our coughs and sneezes and keeping our hands clean.

From October 22:

Protective measures include:

Requirement for COVID-19 pass (vaccine or recovery certificate) for indoor hospitality and events;

Social distancing;

Face masks (can be removed for consumption of food or alcohol as appropriate);

Table service only in hospitality settings (max of 10 adults per table, and max 15 including children);

Collection of contact tracing data;

For indoor live music, drama, live entertainment and sporting events audience/spectators should be fully seated (standing permitted at your seat);

Specific sectoral guidance will be developed for nightclubs setting out appropriate protective measures. This will involve COVID-19 passes, contact tracing data collection and wearing of facemasks except when eating, drinking and dancing;

COVID-19 passes and fixed capacity limits will not apply for outdoor events. However, sectors should ensure appropriate protective measures are in place;

Religious services and weddings can proceed without capacity limits but with all other protective measures remaining in place; and

Return to workplaces will continue on a phased and cautious basis for specific business requirements.

Update

6th September 2021

Please click on the image below for the latest guidance for Places of Worship issued on the 6th of September from the HSE

Update

3rd September 2021

Dear All,

From 6th September

Religious/Civil Ceremonies

Religious services and ceremonies (for example Baptisms, First Communions, Confirmations, Weddings & Funerals) can proceed with 50% of venue capacity, regardless of immunity status of attendees.

(Subject to appropriate protective measures including social distancing as much as possible, hand sanitising, face masks etc).

All other measures designed to minimise necessary physical interaction during services should be maintained.

From 22nd October

Religious/Civil Ceremonies

Based on the criteria of at or close to 90% of people 16 or over being fully vaccinated in the coming weeks, and having regard to the incidence and behaviour of the disease at that time, the Government will remove further statutory restrictions from 22nd of October.

The HSE Covid-19 Guidance for Places of Worship will be updated and we will forward this link to you as soon as received. I will be in touch with any further updates as we move through this phase.

Kind regards,

+Dermot Farrell,

Archbishop of Dublin

Update

Dear Father,

The advice regarding religious ceremonies published by Government late this afternoon was as follows:

“It is advised that religious ceremonies such as Baptisms, First Holy Communions and Confirmations should not take place at this time. Further advice will follow on the resumption of ceremonies when it is safe to do so”.

I ask parishes to follow this advice in regard to the celebration of the sacraments of First Holy Communion and Confirmation.

Where there are strong pastoral reasons to celebrate the Sacrament of Baptism, the family requesting it should be asked to confirm in writing the need to observe current public health guidelines.

With kind regards,

+Dermot Farrell

Archbishop of Dublin

Update

13th May 2021

Dear Father,

The driving force behind this ‘virtual’ participation in the Eucharistic liturgy is clear, but online

Masses and spiritual Communion are only a partial reflection of our common experience of the Church, both past and present. We must pray intensely that we will see full return to public celebration of the Eucharist and of the other sacraments at the earliest possible date.

The Government and HSE Guidelines and public health advice are given to respond in the best possible way to an unforeseen and complex situation and for the common good.

I would ask each parish to have stewards in place who are fully briefed on the key safety protocols:

social distancing at all times

maximum numbers permitted in each section and in church overall

face coverings

arrangements for receiving Holy Communion

sanitizing on entering and exiting the church

**“ religious services and weddings can proceed without capacity limits but with all other protective measures remaining in place”.**

From 6^th September

From 22^nd October

Arising from yesterday’s announcement regarding the easing of restrictions on religious services from May 10 th the Department of an Taoiseach has clarified a number of issues that have arisen as follows: