Important Information for Parishioners Attending Mass

 

UPDATE – Friday 26 JUNE 2020

 

It is intended to reopen the Church on Monday 29th June for the 10.00 a.m. Mass

 
  • Due to the Covid-19 virus, major changes are in place governing attendance at Mass.  These are not imposed by this parish or by the Church in general, but by the Government in the interests of public health and the common good.  We are all obliged to comply with these regulations.

 
  • It is essential that all mass goers know and understand what they are, and why they have to be applied rigorously in our parish church, as in all churches.

 
  • To be effective they must be applied uniformly and without exception.

 
  • Chief among the regulations in the limiting of gatherings in public places – which includes place of worship – to a maximum number permitted to attend.

 
  • This means that once that ceiling is reached, no more than the maximum number permitted (which includes celebrants, deacon, helpers, and ministers) can be admitted under any circumstances.

 
  • Regrettably, this also means that, once the limit is reached, the doors must be closed and no further mass goers admitted.  We ask for your understanding as to why this is necessary.  At the time of writing this update, the upper limit is fixed at 50.  If there is a change to this, you will be informed as soon as possible.

 
  • Where the limit permitted has been reached, and later arrivals will have to be refused admission, we ask you to accept this with good grace and not to blame the stewards, who will be doing their best to help in managing a difficult situation which is not of our making. Please do not expect or demand of the stewards or priests that an exception can or should be made in your particular case.  We cannot exceed the maximum stipulated by Government regulations.

 
  • For those who may have to be turned away because the limit has been reached, it may be helpful to point out that
    • the Sunday Mass obligation is still suspended because of the exceptional circumstances arising from the Covid-19 pandemic.
    •  An extra mass has been scheduled for 4.30 p.m. on Saturdays.  Mass times: Vigil on Saturday at 4.30 p.m., 6.00 p.m.  Sunday 9.00 am, 10.30 am and 12 noon.  Monday-Saturday 10.00 a.m.
    • in addition, all Masses i.e. both weekdays and weekends, are broadcast on webcam and can be accessed at home on the internet at www.holyfamilyparish.ie  

 
  • The church will be opened 15 minutes before the start of each Mass.  If arriving before this, pleased queue in an orderly fashion, and observe social distancing of 2 meters.

 
  • Wearing a mask to mass is strongly recommended, although not obligatory.  It can be removed to receive communion, which will be given on the hand only.
  • The social distance of 2 meters between persons is obligatory except when receiving Holy Communion when the minister will wear a face-covering / mask by the PPC, Holy Family Parish.