The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
Bookings required as churches re-open for Mass
PARISHIONERS in West Kerry returned to public celebration of Mass this week for the first time since the coronavirus lockdown restrictions banned gatherings including religious services.
To reduce the risk of coronavirus infection the four parishes in West Kerry have put protection measures in place, reducing the capacity of the churches and in most cases requiring pre-booking for Masses at the weekend.
Parish priests are clearly aware that personal responsibility is vital in keeping coronavirus at bay. Dingle parish priest Fr. Michael Moynihan said he was delighted to have a return to public celebration of Mass, adding: “We appeal to people’s understanding of their own safety… We won’t be locking the doors, people can stand or attend outside if all the seats are taken... We go forward, surely, as best we can.”
Guidelines provided by the diocese have been adopted and adapted to suit individual parish situation. Reservations for weekend masses are required in Dingle, Baile an Fheirtéaraigh and Castlegregory. However, reservations are not required in Annascaul parish, for Mass in St. Brendan’s Church in Cloghane, or for weekday Masses in any parish.
MASS TIMES AND RESERVATIONS
St. Mary’s Church, Dingle: Mass on Saturday at 6.15pm and 8pm; Sunday, 10am and 11.30am. To reserve a place phone 066-9151208 from 2pm – 4pm Wednesday, Thursday or Friday giving your name and number of persons.
Paróiste an Fheirtéaraigh: Dé Sathairn, Seipéal Naomh Uinseann ag 7.30i.n. agus Dé Domhnaigh ag 10r.n. Seipéal na Carraige ag 11.15r.n. Chun spás a chur in áirithe cuir glaoch ar Thigh na Sagart 9156131, Dé Máirt idir 10r.n. agus 12 meán lae, nó Déardaoin, 10r.n. agus 12 meán lae.
Annascaul Parish: Saturday, 7pm at Annascaul Church; Sunday, 10.45am at Inch; and 12 noon at Camp. No prebooking required.
Castlegregory: Saturday, St. Brendan’s, Cloghane at 6.45, no prebooking required. Sunday, Castlegregory at 10:30am. To book a ticket for Mass on Sunday call 087 1438060 on Tuesday or Thursday between 10.30am and 12 noon.