Nenagh parishioners invited to return to Mass with new guidelines
Nenagh Parish Council has published a new set of guidelines as Masses with limited numbers return across the country this week.
Stewards will be in place to ensure such criteria as the limit of 50 people per Mass, where the health and wellbeing of parishioners will be of primary concern. Parish Radio broadcasts and webcam streaming of Masses will continue for those who cannot or would prefer not to attend physically, and Holy Communion will be distributed after each Mass at St Mary of the Rosary Church.
Those who do attend are being asked to follow a plan has been devised by a ‘Covid-19 preparedness group’ convened by the Parish Council. These include single entry points at both St Mary's and St John the Baptist Church. Volunteer stewards - who have been instructed in the correct procedures - will greet all Massgoers when they arrive at the church and guide them to a seat.
‘CHURCH FULL’ SIGN
When the congregation has reached capacity for any given Mass, the stewards will be obliged to put up a ‘Church Full’ sign. Massgoers are asked to co-operate with the volunteer stewards and not put them in a difficult position by seeking entry after the church is full.
Once seated, the Massgoer is requested to remain in their seat for the duration of the Mass. Holy Communion will be brought to the seat by the Celebrant. There will an opportunity to use hand sanitisers on entering and leaving the church. The volunteers will sanitise the church furnishings between Masses.
Nenagh Parish Council is strongly recommending the wearing of face coverings to Mass for all those in a position to do so. The handshake for the Sign of Peace remains suspended; however, the gesture can be replaced by a moment to pause and pray in silence for the gift of peace.
If the church is full, Massgoers can stand outside, adhering to social distancing, and listen to Mass relayed on a speaker. Alternatively, or if the weather is poor, Massgoers could listen to the Mass on a car radio. Holy Communion will be brought to the entrance by the Celebrant at the end of Mass.
Irish bishops have confirmed that attendance at a weekday Mass will fulfil the Sunday Obligation during the ongoing public health situation. Accordingly, Nenagh Parish has added a third weekday Mass at St Mary of the Rosary, at 1pm, Monday to Friday. On the first Saturday of the month - including this Saturday, July 4th - at 10am a Sacrament of Reconciliation Service will be celebrated and this will continue each first Saturday until the restoration of regular services.
Parish Priest Fr Des Hillery is looking forward to welcoming people back to Mass almost four months on from the suspension of gatherings in churches.
GREET PEOPLE
“Just look around and see the frenetic preparations that are being taken to have everything ready for people to cross the threshold and be greeted with a ‘Céad Míle Fáilte’!” he said.
“Here in Nenagh Parish we are looking forward to being able to greet people once again and welcome you as we cross the threshold of the doors of our churches for the public celebration of Liturgies. Another significant step but we take with great care to ensure the wellbeing of all.
“This week we have released lots of guidelines, which may seem daunting. However, let’s take it step by step, and slowly but surely, we’ll be crossing the threshold and hearing the welcoming words ‘Céad Míle Fáilte’ in our own good time.”
Dr Conor Reidy, Chairperson, Nenagh Parish Pastoral Council, said the comprehensive plan for the return to worship in Nenagh is the result of widespread consultation with public health guidance, the Irish Catholic Bishops, and Bishop Fintan Monahan and the Diocese of Killaloe.
“There has been a wonderfully collegial effort from all sides to get this right,” Dr Reidy said. “The different parties have been so generous in giving of their time and expert advice.
“We are continuing to build a team of volunteer stewards and cleaners, who have so generously answered our call for help. Bringing the community back to Mass is not something we could do without volunteers. It would simply not be an option.
“Our challenge now is to strike a balance between implementing public health meaasures, and a dignified and undistracted return to the public practice of faith.”
FURTHER DETAILS
More information at www.nenaghparish.ie.