ARCHBISHOP'S HOUSE
22 April 2021
Dear Father,
1 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