Attendance at Weekday and Sunday Masses can be 100 if we use the ‘two hub’ system that was introduced last year. The first fifty to arrive for Mass go to the front hub and the second fifty to the back hub. Because of the restriction in numbers, we recommend that for the moment people should adhere to one Mass in the week so that all can get a chance to celebrate within the restrictions.
With both Funerals and Weddings, attendance remains at 50. Funeral Masses from Monday to Saturday are at 1lam. They are offered on Sunday at the Noon Mass. All Masses are broadcast on Saorview and the Internet (through the parish website).
With all of the above we must remember that the guidelines for safety have to be kept even if one is vaccinated. Example must be given to those not vaccinated yet and the quicker the vaccines are done, the quicker the return to near as normal as possible will be achieved. If we are to err, we should err in caution. Those attending liturgies should keep social distancing and wear a mask. Other sacraments have not been mentioned above. The reason for that is we need to discuss how and when they can safely return. The biggest concern in relation to them is what happens after the ceremonies. The danger of the after-party has to be kept in mind as does the fear of crowds in the churchyard during and after ceremonies, including funerals, that infringe the guidelines.