St Mary’s and Holy Family May Communions are postponed
ALL Holy Communion services in the Diocese of Meath have been postponed for the month of May and it’s still uncertain when they will take place.
Last week, Bishop Tom Deenihan wrote to priests and he referred to the celebration of First Holy Communion which is scheduled in all parishes, including St Mary’s, during the month of May.
The Bishop said: “Understandably, many parents and teachers are wondering about First Holy Communion ceremonies. I think we will have to wait until church ceremonies are allowed before we can realistically answer these questions. It also seems likely that church gatherings will be somewhat down the line and certainly not in any initial phase of restriction lifting.”
On the basis of the Bishop’s policy for all parishes in Meath, it is with a heavy heart that St Mary’s and Holy Family say that the First Holy Communion ceremonies planned for the parishes in May will not take place.
‘ This situation is beyond our control – we are obliged, like everywhere else, to observe the public health restrictions and we do so without reservation. When will First Holy Communions take place? The simple answer is “we don’t yet know”. It depends on the decisions of those responsible for public health. It is largely out of our control. As soon as we have an indication that it may be possible to hold these ceremonies, we will consult the schools and parent’s associations to agree new dates,’ they added.
‘What can we do in the meantime? Please continue to pray with the children. First Holy Communion is one of the most special days in a child’s life. It will be wonderful again when it happens this year. After such disappointment, it will be a moment worth waiting for. ‘
It has also been announced that Cemetery Sunday, Sunday June 21st, has been postponed due to Covid-19 restrictions. It is hoped to reschedule later in the year.
A Donate Button is now available on the parish website at the request of some parishioners for anyone who wishes to make a contribution to the parish. The Parish Office will be closed until further notice. For queries please phone 041 9834958.
The daily Mass is offered at 10:00am each day via the webcam and anyone who wishes to have an intention included in the Masses are welcome to call at the above number.
Due to ongoing restrictions, the number of those attending funerals cannot exceed 10 people but the Masses are broadcast via the webcam so that as many people as possible can join in the Funeral Mass while keeping social distance.