Bishops’ statement on the Covid-19 restrictions in Republic of Ireland

Statement released on the second day of the Spring General Meeting of the Irish Bishops’ Conference

On 19 February the four Catholic Archbishops had a meeting with Taoiseach Micheál Martin to continue the dialogue about the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the lives of people in our Church. At that meeting the Archbishops affirmed the Church’s commitment to the protection of life, health and the promotion of the Common Good.  During their Spring Conference, bishops reflected on that meeting and released the following statement:

 “We strongly believe that people’s freedom to worship publicly should be restored as soon as the current Level 5 restrictions begin to be eased.  It is particularly painful for Christians to be deprived, for the second year running, of the public expression of our faith during the most sacred time of Holy Week and Easter.  This is especially true given that it has been clearly demonstrated that church buildings are among the safest places for people to gather.  We also re-emphasise that the ongoing severe restrictions on attendance at Funeral Masses (currently limited to ten) are causing untold grief to many families.

“Throughout this time of pandemic the approach of the Church has been firmly grounded in the protection of health and life and in the promotion of the Common Good.  We recognise that strong restrictions are necessary in times of grave threat to public health.  However, such restrictions on personal freedom should be proportionate and for the shortest time possible.  Consideration must also be given to people’s mental, spiritual and emotional wellbeing. For people of faith, gathering for worship is fundamental to their identity and to their spiritual lives.

 Despite assurances from the Taoiseach last month that the concerns expressed by the Archbishops would be given serious consideration, we note with disappointment that none of the issues raised has been responded to.  We therefore make an urgent appeal that the following matters be addressed:

• That the easing of restrictions from Level 5 should include the restoration of public worship, albeit in a safe and limited way.  For people of faith not to be free to worship until regulations return to Level 2, whilst many other restrictions are eased, is seen as particularly distressing and unjust.

• That the number of mourners permitted at funeral services be increased, with immediate effect, noting that in Northern Ireland this number has not been reduced below 25.  The current restriction places immense burdens on grieving families, compounding the pain of their loss.

We strongly believe that allowing these measures would contribute greatly to giving a sense of hope and consolation to many in our Church – in line with the central message of Easter.  These measures would be a substantial support to the wellbeing of individuals and parish communities, and ultimately serve the Common Good of all. 

We encourage Catholics to make their views on these issues known to their own TDs and local representatives.

We wish to remain responsive to public health messaging. For this reason we are recommending the postponement of the sacraments of First Holy Communion and Confirmation ceremonies for the time being.   

We continue to keep in prayer all who are suffering in this time of Covid, and all who contribute so much to their care.

Council for Justice and Peace, Lenten Reflection: The Crisis For People Seeking Refuge

The Council for Justice and Peace has created a  Lenten Reflection entitled “The Crisis for People Seeking Refuge”.   In this short resource, the CJP invites all to reflect through the ‘See, Judge and Act’ model.

We are all called to recognise and consider the great difficulties encountered by those who face devastating realities that force them to believe that their best option is to flee to another country seeking refuge.  In seeing an recognising these difficulties we are called to discern our own responsibilities, seeking ways in which we can take positive action to help and assist all seeking refuge in todays world.

Click here to access the resource in PDF format

For more information on the Council for Justice and Peace see www.justiceandpeace.ie

St Patrick’s Archdiocesan Trust Limited – Annual General Meeting – 3rd March 2021

The Annual General Meeting of St Patrick’s Archdiocesan Trust Limited (Trust) was held by Zoom conference on Wednesday 3^rd March 2021, in which the audited Annual Report and Financial Statements to 31^st March 2021 was presented. Presenting at the meeting were Archbishop Eamon Martin (Director of the Trust), Mr John McVey (Secretary to the Trust) and Mrs Roisin Traynor (Audit Manager – Cavanagh Kelly Accountants).

In attendance at the meeting where the Directors of the Trust, Members of the Diocesan Committees, Diocesan Clergy, Members of Parish Finance Committees, External Auditors, staff members throughout the diocese and volunteers throughout the Diocese.

A full copy of the Annual Report and Financial Statements and the presentation of the summary of the Financial Statements to 31^st March 2020 can be view below.

Annual Report and Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31st March 2020

AGM Presentation 

Bishops encourage support of vaccine programmes against Covid-19

Council for Healthcare of the Bishops’ Conference urges everyone to support the vaccination programmes currently in place in the Republic and in Northern Ireland

As a matter of priority, vaccines should be made available to carers and to priest-chaplains to nursing care facilities and who preside at funerals

Last December the Irish Catholic Bishops in a statement said that “safe and effective vaccination is an essential aspect of the prevention of disease”. They encouraged Catholics to support the programme of vaccination “not only for their own good, but for the protection of life and the health of those who are vulnerable and for the common good of humanity”. The Vatican Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith made a similar call to all Catholics in its Note on the morality of Covid-19 vaccines (21 December 2020). The Council for Healthcare of the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference wishes to reiterate that message and urges everyone to support the vaccination programmes currently in place in the Republic of Ireland and in Northern Ireland.

The development and provision of the vaccines is already providing reassurance for those who are most vulnerable to the virus and will help us to return to normality in terms of work, education, religious practice, and sporting and leisure activities as soon as possible.

We note that many people both North and South have already received the vaccine and we particularly welcome the fact that all residents and staff of nursing care facilities have been vaccinated at this stage. At present the group prioritised in the Republic of Ireland to receive the vaccine in the coming weeks are those over 70 years of age while in Northern Ireland it is those over 65 years of age along with others who are clinically vulnerable. We encourage all parishes and Church personnel to promote this programme and to encourage elderly parishioners, relatives and neighbours to avail of the opportunity to protect their health and the health of the whole community.

In Northern Ireland the main carers in the home for those who are elderly or disabled can now book a vaccination online at one of the 7 trust centres. An appointment can be made at  https://covid-19.hscni.net/get-vaccinated or, if you cannot access the internet, by telephone at 0300 200 7813. The phone line is open Monday to Friday from 8.30 am to 5.30 pm. We call for the Department of Health and public health authorities to make vaccines available to carers in the Republic of Ireland as a matter of priority and to priests who are chaplains to nursing care facilities and who preside at funerals. 

Trustworthy and updated information on vaccines is available on https://www2.hse.ie/covid-19-vaccine/ in the Republic of Ireland andhttps://www.publichealth.hscni.net/covid-19-coronavirus/northern-ireland-covid-19-vaccination-programme in Northern Ireland.

“Reflecting on Church as the Family of God” 

As we approach the season of Lent we find our public prayer and worship still severely curtailed by the public health guidelines. Thankfully the progress in digital and social media has allowed us an opportunity to reach out to people over the past year and will continue to do so as we enter this sacred season of preparation for Easter.

In addition to a prayer service resource and video created for Ash Wednesday the Pastoral team has also created a video series entitled “Reflecting on Church as the Family of God”.  The first video is included above and a new video will be released each Wednesday during Lent.  Information on two resources for Ash Wednesday and Lent provided by the Diocesan Pastoral Team can be found by clicking here.

We invite all would ask all to share these resources with the sick, elderly and those shielding in the coming days and weeks.

“Prayer and outreach to survivors of abuse is a modern-day corporal and spiritual work of mercy”

Archbishop Eamon Martin

The annual Day of Prayer for Survivors and Victims of Sexual Abuse will take place on Friday 19 February 2021, the first Friday of Lent. The Day of Prayer is an initiative by Pope Francis and was first marked in Irish dioceses and parishes in 2017.

The bishops of Ireland have blessed and dedicated Candles of Atonement for use in cathedrals and parishes throughout the country on the Day of Prayer and thereafter during the celebration of Mass and other liturgies.

Introducing the Candles of Atonement in 2019, Archbishop Eamon Martin said, “In lighting these candles we will bring to mind our brothers and sisters, and their families, who have been left with a lifelong suffering as a result of abuse, whose trust was so deeply betrayed and whose faith has been so cruelly tested within the sanctity of the Church by perpetrators of abuse.

“I have been privileged to meet with victims and survivors of abuse and members of their families in the four provinces of Ireland.  Many have spoken to me about the importance of prayer for survivors, and for the need for the Church to be open to justice, to atone and never forget them. I have been humbled by their courage and overwhelmed by their generosity of spirit.

“I encourage dioceses and parishes to undertake this prayer initiative and to light the ‘Candle of Atonement’ in Cathedrals and churches across Ireland again this year. It would mean a lot to survivors if the ‘Candle of Atonement’ was a permanent feature in our Cathedrals and parish churches.  People visiting the church for quiet prayer might light the ‘Candle of Atonement’, pray the prayer, and bring to mind someone they know who has been directly impacted or affected by abuse.  I am convinced that prayer and outreach to survivors of abuse is a modern-day corporal and spiritual work of mercy.”

Archbishop Eamon continued, “The simple prayer ritual for the dedication and lighting of the ‘Candle of Atonement’ in Cathedrals and parish churches is based on the very moving Penitential Rite composed and prayed by Pope Francis at the final Mass of the World Meeting of Families 2018 in Phoenix Park when he implored the Lord’s mercy for the crimes of abuse and asked for forgiveness.

“The ‘Candle of Atonement’ and accompanying prayer are offered as a reminder to all of the need for us to atone, to ask forgiveness as a Church for the suffering caused by abuse. My hope is that these candles will be lit in Cathedrals and parishes across the country as a reminder of the need for atonement and that they will symbolise repentance, light in the darkness and hope.”

The bishops have made resources available for use in parishes and these can be downloaded from www.catholicbishops.ie

Archbishop Eamon acknowledges that while Ash Wednesday 2021 will be mostly without ashes, families can still pray, fast and be generous this Lent.

Speaking as the Church prepares to celebrate the Season of Lent in the context of Covid-19 restrictions.  

Archbishop Eamon said, “The season of Lent is a forty day penitential period leading up to Holy Week and Easter when Christians mark the crucifixion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. For Catholics the beginning of  Lent is traditionally marked by a day of fasting and by the distribution of ashes on the foreheads of church-goers.  Believers are encouraged to make a commitment to prayer, charity and fasting or self-denial. Many Catholics make Lenten promises or resolutions to mark the importance of this holy season.

The Video above offers some ideas on how all can mark Ash Wednesday at home this year. 

“This year, with the strong ‘Stay at Home’ message from public health authorities, north and south, it will not be possible for Catholics to gather in Church buildings to receive the ashes, which are normally applied to the forehead in the shape of the sign of the cross. The words used are Remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return”, or “Repent and believe in the Gospel. 

At this time when gathering for public worship is suspended, parishes will continue to mark Ash Wednesday using online services over webcam and also by encouraging family prayer services in the home. The Northern Pastoral Network, for example, has prepared resources which are being made available to families (see armaghprays.com).  Instead of the usual ashes, families are being encouraged to keep the fast, to make their normal Lenten promises, and to consider making little crosses to wear using black ribbon or card.

“Even in parts of the world where there are less restrictions on gathering for worship, the Vatican has asked that ashes would not be applied to the forehead in the usual manner, but would be sprinkled on the top of people’s heads.

“Some parishes are making small envelopes of blessed ashes available for those who will be visiting their parish churches in the early days of Lent for individual prayer when out for their daily exercise. People will also be able to collect their Trócaire Box from parishes in the same way.”

Trócaire’s Lent 2021 campaign

“Here are my hands, hold them. Please don’t leave South Sudan alone. We need your prayers. We need your support. We need your love.” Fr. James Oyet Latansio, South Sudan Council of Churches.

Trócaire’s Lenten campaign for 2021 tells the stories of two families in South Sudan whose lives have been impacted by conflict. Awut and Ajak are shining examples of resilience, friendship and solidarity. This Lent we hear not only about the enormous challenges they have faced, but also about how they support each other through these challenges.  

Due to the ongoing challenges of Covid-19, Trócaire has developed a variety of resources for use in your parish and that will support you in raising awareness about the Lent 2021 campaign: 

1. Resources 

The below resources focus on the stories and voices of families and communities with whom Trócaire works, and looks at how our faith calls us to act for justice. We also hear from one of Trócaire’s partners, the South Sudan Council of Churches, and learn about the role that the Christian churches are playing in working for peace in South Sudan. We encourage you to use these resources during Mass, at your Parish Council meeting, Liturgy Group or with any other active parish group. All resources are available on the Trócaire website. The below are available in English and Irish: 

• Parish resource, which includes a workshop, reflection and prayers 
• Stations of the Cross
• Exploring the Gospels with Children

You will also find the following resources on the website that you can use during mass to inform your congregation about the Lent campaign: 

• Homily Notes
• Script that can be read during Mass
• Short PowerPoint presentation on the 2021 Lent campaign
• To access Trócaire Mass talk with Caoimhe de Barra. Click here 

2. Awareness raising 

Furthermore, please find below some other ways that you can raise awareness about the 2021 Lent campaign: 

• Insert for parish newsletter
• Suggested posts for use on social media
• An audio recording of the Mass script that can be shared on your website and social media 

To provide ongoing support to you throughout Lent, you will also receive a short email from Trócaire on three occasions during Lent, containing prayers and reflections which can be used during Mass. 

3. Box distribution 

You will also have received information recently about your Trócaire boxes. We want to support you as much as possible during the ongoing challenges of Covid-19. We have compiled some simple ideas about ways in which your parishioners could collect their boxes, mindful of safety and well-being being of the utmost importance as well as compliance with current government guidelines. 

4. UK Aid Match

This year, the Lent campaign is part of UK Aid Match, meaning public donations* given between 17 February 2021 and 16 May 2021 will be doubled by the UK government, up to £2m. Furthermore, if a donor signs up for a monthly gift, or increases their monthly gift, before the 16th of May 2021, up to three of their instalments will be matched! We will be able to support thousands of people in South Sudan to grow enough food to feed their families. Don’t’ forget that donations will only be matched up until the 16th May.

5. Lent online workshops 

Finally, we want to make you aware of a series of online workshops that Trócaire will be delivering during Lent. These workshops are open to all, and you can find out more and sign up here.

The Mass script is available online for your use. If you are interested in hearing from a Trócaire staff member or volunteer for a mass talk or workshop, please contact colm.hogan@trocaire.org (ROI) or  [email protected] (NI). We will do our best to accommodate your request. You should also have received a large Trócaire box for display in your church.  

This past year has brought many challenges to parishes and communities around Ireland, and the impact of Covid-19 continues to be felt by many. We are continually humbled by and grateful for the generosity shown by you and your parishioners. Now more than ever, families like Awut and Ajak’s need our compassion and our support as they continue to carry their immense burdens with dignity. 

Pioneer Association Short Term Pledge Lent 2021