MESSAGE FROM BISHOP DENIS

MESSAGE FROM BISHOP DENIS

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, it is the case, as we are hearing in all media outlets, that gatherings are being greatly restricted. There will be many enquiries regarding Sunday Mass. In order to follow the guidelines and adhere to the norms, I have reluctantly decided that because it is simply not possible to guarantee a congregation of less than 100 people at any Sunday Mass there will be no public Masses in our Diocese this Sunday, St Patrick’s Day or the following Sunday. Masses will be celebrated via webcam from a number of parishes in the Diocese. We will publish these details tomorrow.Fr. Paddy Byrne live from church in AbbeyleixI strongly urge the use of webcam and local radio broadcasts and RTÉ services also, to encourage the faithful to enter into spiritual communion through these means. It is strange that at a time when we are being invited to pull together as a people and as a diocese the wisdom of staying apart and following health authority guidelines is of the utmost importance. I am also very conscious that this is a time when there is a great need for prayer, and I welcome the fact that all our churches will be open for quiet prayer and reflection. Funerals, baptisms & weddings may continue, again adhering to the norms. It is imperative that we care for the more vulnerable amongst us, and care for ourselves at this time. Every blessing +Denis