Sunday, 4th July 2021
Statement by Bishop Tom Deenihan, Bishop of Meath on the cancellation of First Holy Communion and Confirmation ceremonies.
As you will be aware, Government has, once again, decreed that the celebration of the Sacraments of Confirmation and First Holy Communion should not proceed at this time. The decision was, according to the Tanaiste, based on the recommendation of NPHET. However, today’s newspapers report that Dr. Tony Houlihan informed members of Dail Eireann yesterday that he never requested that Confirmations and First Holy Communions be postponed. That has added to the sense of confusion and anger amongst callers to the Diocesan Office.
This decision by Government is a source of much disappointment to the young people who have been preparing for and looking forward to the various ceremonies. It is a source of disappointment to their parents, teachers and clergy too who have been involved in preparing them for an important moment in their faith. The proximity of the cancellation to the actual ceremony, which was based on previous Government advice, means that parents have days off planned and other expenses have been incurred.
It is of some surprise that while Government officials have indicated that churches are safe, their concern is what happens afterwards in relation to domestic and other settings. I am confident that, at this juncture, parents know what is safe, will not want to put their families at risk and should be trusted in relation to what happens in their own home.
The Church is in a difficult position in this regard. While there is a temptation to ignore Government on religious worship and the celebration of the sacraments, and many have encouraged such a course of action, that would cause concern to some parents too and would politicise the Sacraments, something which, I believe, should be avoided at all costs.
Once again, despite having a schedule devised for Confirmation in the Diocese starting next week, I find myself in the troubling and regrettable position of having to cancel.
This is a political decision that was made without consultation with Church authorities. I remain troubled that any Government or Government minister can cancel the celebration of religious worship or the Sacraments while, crucially, saying at the same time that what happens within a church is safe. This goes to the heart of freedom of worship.
All religious authorities have worked hard to ensure that whatever happens in places of worship is safe. The parishes of this diocese, through the voluntary work of parishioners, have responded generously, courageously and at some cost to ensure that all ceremonies are conducted in accordance with safety measures for the protection of public health.
This is the right, necessary and prudent thing to do. It is unreasonable to ban Sacraments for everyone on the basis of what might happen in some cases afterwards. Such measures have not been applied across any other sector of society. Other places have either been closed or can open based on what happens within those places. The Church seeks no more and no less.
Many people have been contacting this office and the various parishes expressing concern and seeking information. In the light of Dr. Houlihan’s clarification, I would suggest that such calls are directed towards the politicians who made this decision. In the meantime, be assured that the important Sacraments of First Holy Communion and Confirmation will be celebrated as soon as possible in the Diocese. The celebration of Baptism will proceed in this diocese subject to the pastoral judgement of the local clergy, minimum numbers and public health precautions.
I wish to express my sincere appreciation to all those who took part in the various celebrations and presentations last week. Also my thanks to all those who made contact with me in so many different ways over the last number of weeks. As it would be impossible to thank people individually please accept this note as a token of my gratitude. Personally ,I have been overwhelmed by the reaction to my leaving the parish. One could not but feel humbled by your generosity towards me not only last week but indeed over the last 17 years. I will always keep you in my thoughts and prayers as I open up another chapter of my life in my new parish of Kilcloon . To quote from a letter which I received.
Life is full of challenges and we never know what tomorrow will bring. We can only take one day at a time and trust in the Lord. Life is full of joys and sorrows that leave us with the memories we carry with us each day.
I wish Fr Brendan every blessing and success in his ministry and once again thank you for the memories.
Fr. Declan
Supporting the Parish
Total Offertory: € 700.00
Peter’s Pence Stamullen € 300.00
Julianstown € 370.00
Mass and blessing of Graves: Moorechurch
Cemetery
As a result of limitations currently regarding outdoor gatherings, Fr. Brendan has recorded Blessing of Graves in Moorechurch cemetery.
This Ceremony will be uploaded to the youTube channel and will be available from 12pm on Sunday.
St. Patricks GFHC Lotto
Jackpot. €10,000. No Jackpot Winner. Drawn on: 29th June. Numbers Drawn: 7,8,18,29. Lucky Match 3 Winner: Paula Bonner & Cepta Lindsay. Next Week’s Jackpot: €10,000
Welcome Fr. Brendan
On behalf of the Parish, I would like to extend a warm Stamullen & Julianstown welcome to Fr. Brendan and wish him every blessing and a long and happy future in our parish.
St. Patrick’s Church, Stamullen
Saturday, 3rd July 6:00 pm James Dunphy
Patrick Mooney
Sunday, 4th 10:00 am People of the Parish
Tuesday 10:00 am Celebrant’s Intention
Thursday 10:00 am Celebrant’s Intention
Saturday, 10th 6:00 pm
Sunday, 11th 10:00 am
St. Mary’s Church, Julianstown
Saturday, 3rd 7:00 pm Nano Cole & Patsy Cole
Tom Sweeney and Katie & Tommy Caffrey
Sunday, 4th 11:30 am Nicholas Hughes (MM)
Wednesday 10:00 am Celebrant’s Intention
Friday 10:00 am Celebrant’s Intention
Saturday, 10th 7:00 pm
Sunday, 11th 11:30 am
Discussions
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