THE Bishop of Kerry, Ray Browne, has announced that there will be no more funerals on Sundays from September 1 this year.

The announcement was made at Masses this weekend. No funerals will take place on Sundays in all parishes in the diocese of Kerry i.e. Mass Funeral Service or burial.

“Some people will have reservations about this decision. However, it has not been taken lightly but after extensive consultation laity and clergy throughout the diocese,” reads the statement printed on the Our Lady and St Brendan’s Parish weekly newsletter.

Continued below…

“After September 1, 2017, Removals to the church can take place on either Saturday or Sunday evening. Mass on Monday. This change is necessary for many reasons including the primary focus of Sunday Mass is the celebration of the parish Mass; and Sunday funerals will no longer be sustainable in every parish since five parishes no longer have a resident priest.”

“As regards Holy Days of Obligation, the rule will apply to Christmas Day and St Patrick’s day. On the other Holy Days of Obligation, the decision is left to the local parish,” concludes the statement.