“In light of the renewed government guidance issued last Tuesday, I would ask people to wear face coverings in Church for all liturgical celebrations such as Mass, funerals, weddings, baptisms, confirmations and First Communions, etc., so that we can create as safe an environment as possible for those who come to Church and minimise the possibility of spreading the virus.”

Children under 13 years of age and people who have received medical advice to not wear a mask are, of course, exempt.

Bishop Fintan has also acknowledged that people across the diocese have worked very hard to put measures in place so that people would be safe and welcome.

“Parishes have continued to implement these measures including hand sanitising on entering and leaving, cleaning after each ceremony, stewarding so that social distancing rules are adhered to, arranging the pod system so that groups of fifty people remain four metres apart as well as assisting people to approach for Communion is a socially distanced way.”

“I want to thank all those who have worked so hard to implement measures so that people may participate in Mass and public worship in a safe manner and ask your support to ensure that such measures will be implemented.”