Disappointment over cap on church services

As congregations around the country are forced to stay at home again and “attend church services online,” Navan Adm, Rev Declan Hurley has said it is very disappointing.

He expressed his disappointment on Sunday in his homily when he celebrated mass for his parishioners online.

“When we were allowed reopen in June, we applied all the protocols and not one single case of community transmission was lined to church gatherings.

“We managed it very carefully. We have 130 volunteers who acted as ushers showing people where to sit and disinfecting the church and seats after each service.

“It is very disappointing that we can no longer have people attend mass in person.”

In Sunday’s homily, he urged people to contact their local politicians to tell them how important mass is and that the church is a safe place.

Fr Hurley said it was very disappointing that communions had to be deferred for a second time.

He said the limit of 25 people at funerals was very difficult for families, but he stressed the main thing is that people can have a funeral.

“There is absolutely no suggestion that somebody cannot have a funeral. It is important to emphasise that they will go ahead,” he said.