Laytown/ Bettystown
RE-OPENING PUBLIC MASSES
Monday 29th June saw the resumption of public ceremonies at Sacred Heart Church.
As announced by the state authorities, the maximum number that will be allowed in the Church in this first phase of opening is 50. This is a smaller number than expected. However, note that although 100 will be allowed in larger churches from 20th July, if 2m distancing is maintained, the number that we will fit in our church will still only be 60 Parishioners will, at this stage, be used to the procedures in place in relation to supermarkets. Sometimes, it is necessary to queue outside before being allowed in.
It may be the same while entering the church. A 2m distance will need to be maintained between parishioners both approaching the church and within the building.
This may mean that it will take longer to enter and leave the church on weekends. Please be patient. In the initial days and weeks, helpers will be at hand to direct people to the hand sanitizers and to the seats. It is unlikely that you will be sitting in the seat to which you may be accustomed. We will also be asking that you form part of the procession to the altar at communion time, even if you are not receiving holy communion.
This will ensure that there is no contact with people who might otherwise have to brush past you. There will be arrangements for people in wheelchairs and also for those who have mobility issues. If you are in this category, please mention it to one of the helpers.
A short video will be posted on YouTube later this week which will be helpful to those who might like to see the one-way system in operation before arriving at the church. But, please be advised that it will not be possible to accommodate you in the church if 50 people arrive before you. Note that the obligation to attend Mass on a Sunday has been lifted for all parishioners, and those who are in a high-risk category are advised to wait a number of weeks before coming. These weeks will help us to remedy any issues of safety that we may observe in the initial opening period. Remember our intention is that is that you both feel safe and are safe while attending ceremonies.
SVP - STAR OF THE SEA CONFERENCE
The SVP shop in Bettystown has reopened. Please give them your support. The local Star of the Sea Conference serving the Laytown-Bettystown-Donacarneyareas are issuing an urgent appeal for funds. They would really appreciate if you could make a financial contribution to help them maintain their services in these difficult times please ring 087 2542408 to talk to a conference member. For assistance from Vincent De Paul please ring 1800 677 777.
LAYTOWN POST OFFICE
Laytown Post Office wish all their customers good health at this time. We would like to inform you of our hours during Covid-19 which are as follows:
Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday/ 09:00 - 16:00
Friday: 08:00 - 16:30; Saturday: 09:00 - 12:00; Sunday: Closed
Please note that the office will be closed between 13:00 - 13:30 to facilitate lunch and cleaning.
EAST MEATH MEALS ON WHEELS
Hot Meals can be delivered to your home between 12.30pm and 1.30pm on Monday, Wednesday and Friday of each week; excluding bank holidays in the areas of Laytown, Bettystown, Mornington, Donacarney and Colpe. The charge is €4 per person per meal; to avail of this service or know of anyone who might benefit from this service, please contact us on 085-7570810.
CEMETERY DEVOTIONS
As restrictions on large public gatherings are likely to be in place for some months to come, the annual Reilig Mhuire Mass & Blessings of graves planned for 21st June will not take place.
ONLINE COURSES
Louth/Meath Education & Training Board - LMETB has launched a number of FREE Online Community Education Courses for June 2020.
- Awareness of Infection Protection & Control - How to make Facemasks using your Sewing Machine - Everyday Mindfulness - Positive Psychology - Effective Communication And so much more...Full list of courses can be found at https:// bit.ly/2zXjYrd
BLESSING OF GRAVES
What we propose to do is in the week before our respective parish dates is to make a video recording of the Blessing of the graves which will then be available online after the streaming of our 11.30am Sunday Morning mass. The recording will take place in the week before the cemetery devotion date which is listed below. These are dependent on good weather and the availability of the videographer and myself. I’m sure you all appreciate and understand in current circumstances no one but the videographer and myself can be present during videoing. Those who wish to prepare their family graves should do so by noon of the Monday of the cemetery devotions date. These arrangements will be reviewed further to whatever public health advice is in place. Cemetery Dates: Clonalvy 28th June; Ardcath 13th September.
CORONA VIRUS; HELP STOP THE SPREAD OF INFECTION
Stay at home if you feel unwell; Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue – always carry tissues; Dispose of used tissues in a waste bin after use; Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand gel; Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth – germs spread this way; Avoid sharing water and other drinks; Contact neighbours and friends by text and phone and social media. Visit HSE.IE for guidance and updates. back on these as we have limited storage space.
A MESSAGE FROM OUR PARISH PRIEST, FR. PADDY RUSHE.
Continuing to support one another, it’s wonderful to see the easing of lockdown happening, and we are so grateful that the opening of our Churches for Mass has been brought forward to Monday, 29th June. Without doubt, coming back to Mass will be a very different experience, and we need all our parishioners to co-operate with guidance and directions to ensure that Churches remain a safe place for all.
Because of the social distancing requirements, despite being large buildings, the numbers attending any one Mass will be much reduced.
Thanks to all those who have already volunteered to assist the Churches with the additional cleaning and stewarding (& other roles) that will be required, and if you would like to help, please get in touch with the parish office.
We won’t forget about our online congregations once Masses begin in Churches again. Thank you to all connected with
CREDIT UNION.
As and from June 5th, the opening hours of Monasterboice Credit Union is Fridays 5pm to 7pm and Saturdays 11am to 12pm.
For members who wish to make payments via bank transfer please contact the credit union for banking details. Info@monasterboicecu.ie, 041 6862065, www.monasterboicecu