‘It’sgreattobeback’
THOSE returning to masses in the coming days and weeks can be rest assured every precaution is being taken to keep people safe.
St Peter’s PP, Canon Eugene Sweeney, stated that older people will be slower coming back and he has found that in the opening few days of last week when masses resumed after a number of months.
They now have ushers guiding people into seats while members of the same family can stay together.
Volunteers are doing cleaning duties and all round, there is a very professional attitude to the return to services.
The next major events will be confirmations, taking place in Our Lady of Lourdes in August and September, with a number of dates already detailed.
First Communion will be up to each school and these dates are also being confirmed at the moment.
‘We are glad to be back and to have the chance to meet people again at masses,’ the canon stated.
‘We have a strong cleaning regime and a health and safety system too.’
He said the relaxation of the Government norms last Friday was welcome and means that both St Peter’s and Our Lady of Lourdes Churches, being so large, can accommodate a large number of people with ample seating, while honouring social distancing.
Considering also that there are at least three daily Masses between the two churches, and a total of eight Saturday evening and Sunday morning Masses, they are not implementing a ticket system.
“Parishioners are sanitising their hands on entering the churches, Some wear facemasks in church, but this is not obligatory. Holy Communion is distributed to people in their seats,’ he stated.
All Masses are broadcast live by webcam on the parish website, saintpetersdrogheda. ie, and also on churchservices.tv
St Oliver Plunkett Sunday took place at the weekend, with Bishop Michael Router attending.
‘ There was no public procession this year. Mass was celebrated by Bishop Michael Router who also preached. Music was provided by Edward Holly and Sean Tester of St Peter’s Male Voice Choir.
‘ The Knights of Columbanus carried the relic and Bishop Router paid tribute to Tommy Burns for his promotion of the devotion to St Oliver.
‘Naturally there was a smaller crowd than usual,’ The PP added.
Those present included Mayor, Cllr Kevin Callan, who delivered the first reading, and also Cllrs James Byrne, Joanne Byrne and Declan Power.