No Public Masses from Wed. 25th March UFN. Mass by Streaming Only, from Saggart

Archbishop Diarmuid Martin issued the following notice on Monday, 23rd March:

'Up to now, the advice of the Irish health authorities allowed for gatherings in enclosed spaces of up to 100 people, providing that social distancing was practised and that the vulnerable were discouraged from attending. This meant that holding Mass in public in specific circumstances was permissible. [. . .] In the light of the changing situation, I have decided that it will not be possible to continue with public Sunday or Weekday Masses in the Archdiocese of Dublin from Wednesday 25th March until further notice.'

Read the rest of the Archbishop's notice on the diocesan website here.  

Remember, you can hear Mass as usual by clicking MASS LIVE on the menu-bar above. Churches will be open (outside Mass times in Saggart) 9.30 am to 5 pm for private prayer.

Closure of Parish Office until further notice : information here.  See the current Newsletter (on menu-bar) for more parish updates. Note that baptisms, weddings and funerals will continue to take place.

A Coronavirus Prayer recited at the consecration of Ireland to the Immaculate Heart of Mary on the 25th March is here. 

27th March:  Pope Francis's Urbi et Orbi Blessing and sermon.

Go to full screen and view the film first at normal speed. Then view it again while pausing it where you wish. In this way, the film becomes a sequence of still photos, haunting and highly thought-provoking.  

New Mass Schedule and How to Watch Mass Live

To enlarge, click on image

The arrangements summarized above will come into operation tomorrow, the 18th March, and continue until further notice. As in so many other areas, our routine is upset here too, but let us all, clergy and laity, pull together and help each other out through this period of trial. A lay-out in text format can be read here. 

'Mass Times' on this website (see top menu-bar) have been updated and advice on how to assist at Mass from one's home or elsewhere via 'live streaming' is also given (whether viewing on a screen or on one's mobile). We are lucky to have this facility (introduced just recently, thanks to the generosity of Lisheen Nursing Home) when it is now so badly needed. To access live transmission of Mass, just click on 'Mass Live' on the menu-bar, next to 'Mass Times'.  

Masses for St Patrick's Day

To enlarge, click on photo

Two Statements on the Coronavirus

1.   From the Irish Bishops

2.   From Fr John Gilligan and the Parish Team

Remember that you can be present at church services while in your home by clicking Mass Live on the top menu-bar.

Precautions We Need to Take

The writer learned a lot (and maybe the reader will too) from this WHO video found on the HSE's website providing information on the coronavirus.  The HSE has also given advice on what parishes can do to prevent the virus from spreading.

Holy Water Fonts
The holy water fonts in the church will be emptied, as using holy water is not advisable at present.

Sign of Peace at Mass
Shaking hands will be suspended for now. Instead, parishioners may signal their goodwill by some non-tactile gesture or expression.

Holy Communion
Only the priest will receive Holy Communion from the Chalice.
Ministers of Holy Communion will use hand-sanitisers before and after ministering Holy Communion.
Holy Communion will be ministered in the hand only and not on the tongue.

Read more on the consequences for parishes here.  Keep up-to-date by reading the weekly newsletter (see menu bar, top of home-page).