July Confirmations postponed

Confirmations due to take place over the coming month have been postponed.

One local primary school principal has written to families explaining that that all Confirmation ceremonies arranged for July 2021 have been postponed.

"This is due to the risk factor related to the Covid Delta variant and it's high potential for transmissibility. The Government have decided that it is unsafe for Confirmation and First Communion ceremonies to take place at the moment," according to the letter.

No alternative date was given, but the principal committed to keeping families informed.

"It is unfortunate for all of our girls and boys in 6th class, their sponsors and families, who have been really looking forward to this great occasion.

"Hopefully we won't have too long to wait for an alternative arrangement."

Tanaiste, Leo Varadkar said yesterday Confirmations and Holy Communions would not proceed in July.

He said at yesterday's press conference on Covid -19 restrictions that Communions and Confirmations "are off' and won't be able to go ahead from next week.

The Government website advises that religious ceremonies such as Baptisms, First Holy Communions and Confirmations should not take place at this time.

"Further advice will follow on resumption of these ceremonies when it is safe to do so," it reads.

The Tanaiste said the Government has taken the "cautious approach" after being presented with four scenarios by NPHET outlining different outcomes from best to worst.

He said the Government has taken this approach based on NPHET's "most pessimistic" scenario, which could see over 2,000 deaths over a three month period.