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Bishop Ray Browne.
THE Diocese of Kerry has decided that no public Masses will be celebrated this weekend or St Patrick’s Day.
A statement issued this afternoon from Bishop of Kerry, Ray Browne, reads; “No public weekday Masses will be celebrated. Many of those who regularly attend are in the vulnerable category. In solidarity with them we want that no one will be coming out to Mass. Every person minimising social contact is key. If this saves even one life.
Priests will continue to celebrate their Masses, without a congregation, for all the people of the diocese.
Continued below…
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Where possible this will be broadcast via parish radio or webcam / streaming. People are asked to consider setting aside a few minutes for prayer at 11 am on Sundays and St Patrick’s Day.
Thus we all unite as one in prayer, uniting with all the Masses being celebrated privately. Also many people are deciding to pray the Rosary or a decade at home each evening. Meanwhile the diocese will seek to consult widely and by Thursday will make decisions regarding the next few weeks. This gives us time to pause and make good decisions.
Our parishes need time to think things through: serving all the faith-needs of the people; a special care for the health of those with underlying conditions and those advanced in years; proper guidance for priests and key parish workers e.g. regarding funerals and baptisms. It is important for the functioning of each parish that our priests do not contact the virus.
This coming weekend is very important. Who knows how quickly the virus will further spread? All of us need to adapt to all the measures that the government are asking us to implement.
I encourage everyone to follow all their recommendations. Together, looking out for each other, we can come through the days and weeks ahead well.”
