Good news for Mitchelstown area as Masses to return to the parishes

THE GOOD news is that Masses will be back from June 29.

Arrangements are currently being made regarding social distancing. As regards the Kilworth and Araglin parish, Masses will be back to a total of four weekend Masses from July 5.

The Saturday evening Mass in Araglin will be at the earlier time of 6pm, with Mass in Kilworth at 7.30pm.

Sunday Masses will be at 10am in Araglin and 11.30am in Kilworth.

In Mitchelstown, weekday Masses will recommence on Monday, June 29 at 8.30am and 10.30am.

Sunday Masses will start back on the 4th and 5th of July in all three Churches in the parish.

A return to public worship will be a source of great joy and hope to the parish communities. Public health considerations will, however, require some practical adjustments to the way we celebrate the liturgy.

These should not in any way compromise the integrity of the liturgy, and every effort will be made to support active participation and prayerful and joyful celebrations.

The dispensation from the Sunday and Holy Day obligation is extended for the time being for the most vulnerable in the parish community. If a person is feeling unwell, they are advised not to attend Church services, in order to protect the safety of all in the community.

Public health authorities advise that people should maintain physical distance from each other. In the Churches, this will mean that every second row of seats will be kept vacant to protect all parishioners. Signage will indicate seats not to be used.

In terms of receiving Holy Communion, people should follow the instructions that will be given at Mass and maintain a social distance from people not from your household.

Holy Communion will be administered to the hand while standing. Priests and Ministers will be wearing a face covering while distributing Communion. Missalettes will not be available for public use until later in the year. The Adoration Chapel will remain closed until further notice.

Church Collections will be taken up at the door of the Church as you enter. Second collections will be taken up at the end of Mass, also at the door.

Sacrament of Baptism can be booked through the Parish Office, which is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 12 midday.