Midleton Parish Information Re Cancellation of Public Masses

Bulletin Editor 2 March 14, 2020

The COVID-19 Virus poses a very serious threat to public health in Ireland. In view of the recent guidelines published by the HSE and endorsed by the Irish Bishops Conference, and having heard the views of a number of priests, Bishop Crean has decided that all public Masses, both Sundays, weekdays, and St. Patrick’s Day should be cancelled up to and including Sunday March 29th.

The following arrangements will be in place in the parish of Midleton during that time:

• There will be no public Masses in any of the three churches of the parish. The Irish Bishops have ruled that the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days does not apply during this period.
• Special arrangements will be made for funerals as they arise.
• Stations of the Cross on Sundays are cancelled.
• Churches will remain open for private prayer and we encourage everyone to visit and pray there, while observing the recommended distance from other people.. Opening times for Holy Rosary Church are outlined below.
• The Adoration chapel will remain closed. Those wishing to pray before the Blessed Sacrament are invited to do so in the main body of the church.
• All rural station Masses are cancelled.
• Families who have booked baptisms will be contacted and advised to bring a limited number of people to the ceremony. They are also free to cancel and choose another date. If doing so please contact the priest on duty at 087 2468234.
• People who have booked anniversary Masses which are now not taking place are asked to contact the relevant priest when we are back to normal.

Televised Masses: Mass without a congregation will be broadcast from Holy Rosary Church on parish television as follows:

Sundays and St. Patrick’s Day at 10.30am. The church will remain closed until after this Mass.

Weekdays: 9am. The church will remain closed until after this Mass.

You are invited to unite yourselves spiritually with these Masses.

Parish television is available on SAORVIEW only. To find it you may need to retune your set using autotune. The most common channels are 19 or 52. Further help may be available from the SECAD care and repair team at 021 4621190.

Mass can be accessed live over the internet from Mallow parish at www.churchservices.tv/mallow

Please bear in mind that there may be some people who will need help during this time, especially those who are unable to go out due to a health problem. We encourage everyone to pray for God’s protection on our country, for all who are ill, and for all working in the health care field.