Newly-ordained Rev Barry White is pictured with Most Rev Tom Deenihan and Fr Declan Hurley VG following his diaconate ordination on Saturday 14th August in St Mary's Church, Navan. Barry is one of three seminarians studying for priesthood in the diocese of Meath at present. He will continue his studies in Canon Law at Leuven while assisting in Navan Parish during the coming year.

Bishop anxious that Confirmation ceremonies go ahead in safety

Ann Casey

Published: Tue 17 Aug 2021, 4:17 PM

Last updated: Tue 17 Aug 2021, 4:19 PM

As confirmations resume across the country, the Bishop of Meath, Tom Deenihan has urged parents to be mindful of public health guidelines after the religious ceremonies.

There will be nine confirmation ceremonies in Navan tomorrow (Wednesday) and smaller groups will be confirmed at each service.

Small parishes with small churches will have their Confirmation ceremonies in the bigger churches like those in Navan.

Parents of children in Bohermeen, Cortown and Boyerstown were told last week that confirmation ceremonies will take place on Tuesday 21st September in St Mary's Church, Navan.

Bishop Deenihan, Bishop Emeritus, Michael Smith, the diocese's two vicar generals Fr Declan Hurley, Navan and Fr Joe Galvin, Tullamore as well as former vicar general Mons Sean Heeney will conduct the ceremonies in Navan and throughout the Diocese.

“In some cases we will be working together to reduce the time in the church,” Bishop Deenihan explains.

“The ceremonies will involve smaller numbers. The only people present will be the candidate, the sponsor and two parents or guardians.”

“What we are doing is very safe. The response has been very positive.

“However, if parents are not comfortable with going ahead now, we are holding a separate ceremony later in the year for people who have concerns about the current situation.”

Bishop Deenihan has rescheduled all Confirmations for the diocese to run through September and October.

“The children for Confirmation will now be at different schools, so most of the ceremonies will have to be in the evenings.

“We also have a big backlog of weddings over the coming months.

“Couples have postponed weddings for 18 months, so we are very busy with those.

“Parishes waiting for First Holy Communion have now mostly been given dates fairly early in September.

“They are easier to organise as the children will be all back to school together,” he added.

Meanwhile, Newly-ordained Rev Barry White is pictured above with Most Rev Tom Deenihan and Fr Declan Hurley VG following his diaconate ordination on Saturday 14 August in St Mary's Church, Navan. Barry is one of three seminarians studying for priesthood in the diocese of Meath at present. He will continue his studies in Canon Law at Leuven while assisting in Navan Parish during the coming year.