Empty churches but full of hope
All public Masses have been suspended in County Wexford since Friday last following a decision by Bishop Denis Brennan after consultation with the Vicars of the Diocese.
The unprecedented move follows a short period during which Masses were being celebrated but were subject to a restriction of 100 people , according to HSE guidelines for indoor gatherings.
But in a pastoral letter to all parishioners, Bishop Brennan said services are now suspended and he advised that everyone is absolved of the obligation to be physically present at Mass. Churches throughout the diocese continue to be open during normal hours for people to visit.
Babtisms, weddings and funeral Masses are continuing with limited numbers and no close contact as laid down by the HSE, in an effort to prevent the spread of coronovirus. Individual devotions at churches, such as Stations of the Cross are also allowed, along with Eucharistic Adoration, but not for groups. Bishop Brennan said people are being encouraged to participate in Mass via television, local radio and the internet. Priests will still visit the sick or elderly, on request, and the sacrament of reconciliation will also be available.
Holy water fonts have been emptied of water and hymn books and collection baskets have been removed, to avoid spreading the virus.
Bishop Brennan has asked that non-essential church-related meetings should not take place in the diocese for the forseeable future. He has stressed that all church activities that are continuing, must abide by the requirements of hand washing, social distancing and respiratory protocols. Anointings of the sick will be done by cotton bud, not hand touch.
On behalf of people of the diocese, he thanked those working in hospitals during the coronavirus crisis along with public servants, emergency personnel, retail sector staff and delivery services, the media and many ‘local heroes’ who are helping out in parishes. He also commended the priests who remain at their posts in parishes around the diocese, offering reassurance and comfort to the people they serve. The Bishop invited people to pray for the volunteers who reach out to the elderly, the vulnerable and the poor. He said while physical attendance at Mass and gathering as a congregation within Church buildings may be suspended, Church itself is not.