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24 June 2021 - Bishop Leahy statement regarding HSE recommendations on First Holy Communion and Confirmation ceremonies  

Bishop Leahy statement regarding HSE recommendations on First Holy Communion and Confirmation ceremonies  

Thursday 24 June 2021:  Bishop of Limerick Brendan Leahy has confirmed that the Diocese of Limerick has passed on the HSE recommendations for the postponement of First Holy Communion and Confirmation ceremonies until September to parishes across the diocese.

“We have acknowledged the public health concerns of the HSE and passed on its recommendation to all our parishes,” said Bishop Leahy.

“Many of the of parishes at this moment are proceeding with their planned First Holy Communion and Confirmation ceremonies, a small number are postponing and a decision has yet to be made by others.” 

Bishop Leahy said that the HSE recommendation had come as a surprise to many given local press coverage over recent days regarding low level COVID numbers in the Mid-West and that he had written to the HSE to update them in relation to the response across the diocese.

“While many parishes are choosing to proceed following this recommendation, there will, nevertheless, be full application in our churches of the protocols/guidelines that have been acknowledged by HSE as in accordance with public health advice.

“Additionally, in relation to parishes that are proceeding, we have also not alone made the HSE recommendation known to them but parents with concerns about this will have the option of celebrating the sacrament in the autumn.

“We appreciate, as outlined by the HSE, that their concerns are predominantly in relation to gatherings and parties that will happen away from the Church ceremony and we would urge the public to heed HSE guidelines in relation to these,” he added.

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