‘This is a good beginning in bringing church life back to the parish’
THE predominant reaction from people who attended Mass at the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Kanturk last Sunday was gratitude that another hurdle in the return to normality has been surmounted.
Many described their first Mass in over three months as ‘a joyous occasion’ and said they hope common sense will prevail country wide in keeping the possible ‘second wave’ of Covid-19 at bay.
Safety protocols and guidelines were very much in evidence in the Church with sections cordoned off, signs on the floor outlining the 2m social distancing rule and a one way system in place for entering and leaving.
Fr. Toby Bluett celebrated Mass and said he was truly delighted to be able to welcome people into the Church again. Local men were in position as stewards both outside and inside the Church and after Mass was over, the building was deep cleaned by a team of volunteers.
“This isn’t an ideal situation, we are very conscious of that. We would love to be able to welcome our usual large attendance and open our doors as normal but unfortunately limited numbers is the reality for the immediate future,” a spokesperson for the Parish said. “This is a good beginning in bringing church life back to the parish, but the safety of people in accordance with the guidelines is paramount,” he added.
Because numbers inside the Church were limited, many people remained in their cars in the car park and were able to tune into the Mass on their phones. They had the added benefit of receiving Holy Communion when Eucharistic Ministers walked out to the car park.
While it’s frustrating that numbers are limited for now, Parish administrators said they will work continuously to organise extra Masses going forward, and it is hoped that Fr. John will be resuming public Masses towards the end of July. In the meantime, Fr. Toby will continue with one public Mass in Kanturk at 10am on Sunday July12th and Sunday July19th.
Numbers will be limited to 100 approximately, so for the moment places will have to be reserved by phoning the Kanturk Parish Office during opening hours (9.30am to 12.30pm Wednesday to Friday and 9.30 to 12.30pm and 2pm to 5.30pm Tuesday only). People without bookings are welcome to come to the Car Park and listen to the Mass on radio or on churchservices.tv/Kanturk on their phones. Holy Communion will be distributed in the Car park also.
Readers can contact the Parish Office at 029 51778