Despite the headlines concerning the lifting of restrictions on religious services and weddings the fact is that nothing has changed for the vast majority of churches throughout the country. Very large church buildings may be able to accommodate more people.

The government guideline for church services  from 22 October is;

“religious services and weddings can proceed without capacity limits but with all other protective measures remaining in place.”

One of these protective measures is the requirement for 2 metres physical distancing between people, or between a group of people  that live in the same house and others.

It is this 2 metres distancing that imposes limits on the number of people in church.

So, if planning a wedding, funeral, or any other service in either of our churches in Kilgeever parish, until this requirement is changed numbers will be severely limited as at present.

Please, please, do not argue with our volunteer stewards if they inform you the church has reached its permitted capacity, as they do not draw up the guidelines. They are there to try and ensure the safety of all who attend. Without them there would be no services at all.

If you have issues about these guidelines do  contact the TDs, our elected representatives, who are responsible for making the laws in our country.

It is absolutely necessary that all people attending Mass or services in church must wear a mask correctly at all times.

Anybody with any flu-like or cold-like symptoms, cough, sneezing, sore throat, temperature, lack of smell etc. should not attend church and should phone their G.P. for advice.