“Just letting you know that the Diocesan office had a call today from a senior officer in the HSE, mid-west region regarding the high rates of infection in the region.  In line with the gov.ie guidelines that there should be no Sacraments of Confirmation and First Holy Communion celebrated in May or June they were further emphasising the importance of that.  They are clear that great efforts are being made in relation to the Church ceremonies but it is afterwards with the gatherings that dangers are arising.  They further made the point that many of the parents of the children involved are still awaiting vaccination and it would be very much prudent to wait until that happens.

If there is any further guidance from the HSE or gov.ie I will pass it on, but again I would discourage any parishes from setting dates until further notice.  Many thanks for your patience and kind consideration of this important issue.

Sláinte agus beannachtaí,

✠ Fintan Monahan”