Corona Virus Pandemic – Public Masses

Published on July 17, 2020

Corona Virus Pandemic – Public Masses

Our Parish Advisory Committee met on Tuesday evening in Louisburgh Church to discuss the reopening of Churches for public worship.
The committee remain of the opinion that it is not advisable to return to public worship yet, due to the fact that the number of infections is again rising and reports that the virus is again spreading with the R number above 1.

In addition, the results of our parish survey found that over 65% of parishioners would prefer to wait until autumn to return to public worship.

This time of year, with the influx of visitors, we would usually have up to 800 people attend the three weekend Masses in the parish. It would be difficult to manage this with the current physical distancing requirements and the absolute maximum limit of 50 for indoor activities.

The Churches will continue to open daily for private prayer from 12.00 p.m. to 7.00 p.m.

First Holy Communion, as already arranged, will continue at daily Masses, reserved for family.
We will review the situation at the next meeting on 28 July, with the aim of a trial opening on 09 August, but this is very dependent on public health advice.

There is no obligation to attend Mass at present.

The committee continue to make decisions in the interests of the safety of all parishioners, staff,  and volunteers in the Kilgeever parish.
We thank everyone for their cooperation.