MASSES in the Diocese of Kerry will not be celebrated until further notice.

Bishop of Kerry Ray Browne has issued a statement this afternoon, updating last week’s information issued when the Government issued guidelines on mass gatherings.

The statement reads as follows: “As promised last Friday I now issue ongoing guidelines for the diocese. These guidelines will endure until the Government indicate they are no longer necessary.

Continued below…

• Regarding Masses (daily and weekend) and other liturgies in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic: no public Masses with a congregation will be celebrated until further notice.

• Churches will be open each day for private prayer.  In attending church people are asked to follow all guidelines, including hand –washing before coming to churchand on return home, keeping their distance from any person they meet, and also minimising their touching of hard surfaces.

• Adoration groups have asked for some guidance. Any who wish to spend a period in prayer can do so from any seat in the church with their focus on the tabernacle. Exposition is not to take place as it would draw people to sit in the seats immediately in front of the monstrance and thus increase the risk of the virus being contacted.

The continuance of ringing the church bell at 11am on Sunday morning is recommended. Any who hear it will be reminded that we are never alone, Christ is with us, our strength and guide. At 11am each Sunday it is a call to us all to pause and spend a few minutes with God in prayer, uniting with all in our diocese. Many have remarked that doing this is a positive experience.

Last weekend was a difficult weekend for us all, – the initial adjustment mental and physical to ‘social distancing’. Now people are adjusting well and feel more at ease. We realise that we must give full cooperation to our government and the HSE. So many people have shown great personal qualities and great wisdom.

There are so many examples of the ‘good neighbour’ and it does all our hearts good. I have in mind all the people putting the word out in their community, by phone or on-line, that they are available to help anyone in need.

Also many people have expressed their appreciation of their parish for prayer and for Masses. Many have joined in the Mass on-line or via parish radio. Now there is 10.30am daily Mass on the RTE News Now channel.”