THE diocese of Kerry focuses on Mission this month with a public invitation to attend their Mission Month Webinar with Liam O’Callaghan, an Irish Columban priest working in Pakistan.

The Webinar takes place on Thursday, October 20 at 7pm as they celebrate and create awareness around Mission. To join register in advance on www.dioceseofkerry.ie

This summer extreme heat followed by the well documented, severe monsoon floods, left large parts of Pakistan under water.

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This caused widespread devastation to the agricultural sector, especially in the southern parts of the country where Fr. Liam is based. Villages were washed away leaving around 3.4 million children in need of assistance and at increased risk of waterborne diseases, drowning and malnutrition.

The situation is still critical in the worst affected areas due to the flooding from the overflowing River Indus and Lake Manchhar.

This webinar event is an initiative of the Diocesan Justice Peace and Integrity of Creation Committee and Fr. Liam coordinates the Justice Peace and Integrity of Creation group in Pakistan.

The theme for Mission Month is: You will be my witnesses and Mission Sunday is celebrated all around the world on the 23rd of October.

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THE Diocese of Kerry focuses on the theme of Climate Change for the ‘Season of Creation’ 2020 ‘Cultivating Hope – A Faith Response to the Climate Crisis’.

The season which runs from September 1st to October 4th is a time when Christian churches around the world focus on prayer and action in the hope of protecting the natural world or creation which is ‘Our Common Home’.

It closes on the 4th October, feast day of St Francis of Assisi and Patron Saint of Ecology. The words ‘Our Common Home’ are those used by Pope Francis in his letter ‘Laudato Si’ on Care for Our Common Home’.  This letter is addressed “to every person living on the planet”.

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All parishes across the diocese are being encouraged to mark the season in some way. This year, to adhere to Covid 19 guidelines, all 52 parishes in the diocese will receive electronic copies of the Cultivating Hope – A Faith Response to the Climate Crisis Leaflet which explains the theme and gives suggestions of practical actions which can be taken in the areas of biodiversity, energy,  avoiding food waste and reducing plastic pollution.

The leaflet will also be available on the diocesan website www.dioceseofkerry.ie  and diocesan facebook page.

The five-week season gives parishes the opportunity to include the theme in a Sunday Mass, and again various  liturgy resources for this are being sent to parishes including a short outdoor liturgy suitable to small groups.

The Radio Kerry programme ‘Horizons’, the daily ‘Just A Thought’ segment on the ’11 to 1 Club’ show and the diocesan facebook page will all highlight the theme across the season.

A free Webinar: ‘Cultivating Hope – A Faith Response to the Climate Crisis’ is planned for September 17th.

The diocesan Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation Committee (JPIC) will host this webinar in conjunction with the all-Ireland  Laudato Si’ Working Group of the Irish Bishops Council of Catechetics.

It will take place at 8pm on that Thursday. This will feature Lorna Gold, author of ‘Climate Generation’ as keynote speaker and she will be joined by a panel of local activists in what promises to be a wonderful hour of encouragement, practical suggestions and networking. Registration details can be found on www.dioceseofkerry.ie

“The climate crisis requires our decisive action, here and now and the Church is fully committed to playing her part.”  Pope Francis.

This is an initiative of the diocesan Justice, Peace and the Integrity of Creation Committee (JPIC). To register for this online webinar contact: desbailey@dioceseofkerry. Mobile 086 7364605.

BISHOP of Kerry Ray Browne has announced a number of appointments of clergy to parishes this afternoon.

Fr Niall Geaney will transfer from Our Lady and St Brendan’s Parish in Tralee to become Fossa PP, replacing retiring Canon Tom Looney. Canon James Linnane, who was an assistant priest in St John’s Parish, Tralee, is also retiring.

Fr Vitalis Barasa will be based in St John’s Tralee and Fr Amos Surungai Ruto is appointed to Our Lady and St Brendan’s Parish in Tralee.

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Fr Pat Crean Lynch will move from the Spa parish to Ardfert to succeed the late Fr Liam Comer, with Fr Francis Nolan becoming PP in the Spa, while continuing duties in St John’s Parish in Tralee.

The list of changes and appointments in full is…

• Fr. James Linnane, Assistant Priest St John’s Tralee retiring

• Fr. Tom Looney PP Fossa, retiring

Appointments:

• Fr. Kevin Sullivan Milltown to be PP Killorglin

• Fr. Pat Crean Lynch Spa to be PP Ardfert

• Fr. Francis Nolan to be PP Spa with continuing ministry in St. John’s Tralee

• Fr. Danny Broderick Eyeries to be PP Milltown

• Fr. Jerry Keane Annascaul to be PP Eyeries

• Fr. Niall Geaney Our Lady and St. Brendan’s Tralee to be PP Fossa

• Fr. Vitalis Barasa to minister in St. John’s Tralee

• Fr. Amos Surungai Ruto to minister in Our Lady and St. Brendan’s Tralee

• Fr. Donal O’ Conor Chaplain IT Tralee to be priest in residence Annascaul

Priests of all Pastoral Areas of the Diocese take up different responsibilities outside their own parishes and within the Pastoral Area. This will be decided and communicated locally. These changes will become effective on Wednesday, August 5.

THE Diocese of Kerry has issued extensive guidelines for churches and parishioners, as Masses are set to return in the coming weeks.

The guidelines are designed to assist parishes in making the necessary preparations to ensure that the church is ready to welcome parishioners for the celebration of public Mass.

The updated public health guidelines from the Government allow indoor public gatherings of up to 50 people from June 29 and this will rise to 100 people indoors after July 20.

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Among the many new measures are that parishioners may have to reserve a time to attend Mass, hand sanitisers are required at all church entrance and exit doors, holy water fonts will be empty and priests and Liturgical ministers will wear a visor while giving holy communion (which will always be received by massgoers in their hands, not mouths).

The key preparations for churches t0 host Masses in the Diocese include:

• Setting the capacity of the church, based on current social distancing requirements
• Encouraging people to attend any Mass during the week, not necessarily Sunday Mass
• A Covid-19 response plan in each parish
• A Parish Support Team in place to ensure the implementation of these guidelines
• The Appointment of a member of the support team as the Covid-19 Safety Officer
Putting in place a Cleaning Team for the regular cleaning of the church as per the guidelines
• Each volunteer or liturgical Minister should be furnished with the guidelines issued to parish employees when Parish Offices were re-opened and parish employees returned to work: Return to Work Guidelines
• All volunteers and liturgical Ministers sign the Return to Work Form,
• Identifying An Isolation Area in the event an employee, volunteer or Mass-goer takes ill with Covid-19 symptoms

There is an extensive list of protocols regarding the reopening listed in a document available on the Diocese of Kerry website. It can be accessed by clicking on this link or by reading the full document below…

PREPARATIONS FOR THE RETURN OF PUBLIC MASS

• The purpose of this document is to enable as many people as possible to participate in the celebration of the Eucharist on a weekly basis, not necessarily Sunday notwithstanding the limitations as a result of Covid-19. 

• The dispensation from attending Mass on Sundays and Holydays of obligation remains in place until further notice. People are encouraged to attend Mass on any day during the week.  In this way, it is hoped that parishioners, who would have normally attended Mass on a Saturday night or Sunday morning pre Covid-19, can be accommodated at the Masses throughout the week taking into account the reduced capacity of the church.

• Any person with an underlying medical condition or at high risk of severe illness as a result of Covid-19 should be advised to stay at home and to continue participating in the Mass online or by radio link.  Any elderly person who does not yet feel ready to return to the public celebration of Mass, should also be advised that they may remain at home and participate in the Mass online or hear the Mass through the Parish radio link.

GETTING THE PARISH READY FOR PUBLIC MASS

• Each Parish in consultation with the Parish Pastoral Council shall establish a Covid-19 Support Team to oversee the implementation of the Diocesan Guidelines and ensure that the parish church/churches are prepared in a manner which will facilitate all to return safely to the celebration of Mass.
• Each parish shall develop a Covid-19 response plan as set out in the Return to Work Safely Protocol.
• A checklist for parishes is provided at Appendix 3.

CREATING A SAFE PLACE TO WORSHIP

Carry out an assessment of each church within the parish and determine the maximum number of people who will be able to attend Mass at any one time bearing in mind the current rules in relation to social distancing which requires that people should maintain physical distance from each other of at least 2 metres (6 feet).

• • Consider the creation of a family section within the church where members of the one family (more than two) can sit together for Mass.  Members of a family who reside together do not need to observe social distancing, but must of course remain socially distant from other members of the congregation. 
  • Have a plan in place to accommodate people with a disability and their carer/support person so they can attend Mass safely and ensure optimum participation.
• In parishes where there is more than one church, consideration should be given to celebrating all Masses in the largest church initially, which would allow for greater numbers to attend and would help in maintaining hygiene. Masses could be celebrated in the other churches of the parish at a later stage.
• Parishes should work with other parishes within the Pastoral Area to agree a schedule of Mass times which will facilitate the greatest number of people in attending Mass at least weekly.
• Parishes should operate within the existing number of Masses per week and should not schedule additional masses.  
• The health and wellbeing of our Priests is very important and they must continue to take their days off.  It may be necessary for a parish to reduce the number of weekly masses.

ENABLING PEOPLE TO PARTICIPATE AT MASS

• Once each parish has determined the maximum number of people that can attend at Mass the parish must then decide on how to facilitate the attendance at Mass.  It is preferable that people are notified in advance of how this will be done so as to avoid a situation whereby people are turned away.  
• Parishes might consider the following:

• People will reserve a time to attend Mass weekly.  This can be done through the Parish Office.  Consider putting in place a dedicated phone number to facilitate this process.  Parishes can consider other ways to do this such as online or the creation of an app. (Bear in 

mind that there will be parishioners who will feel uncomfortable or may not be able to use the internet or social media). 

• Designate specific Mass times for station areas, particular townlands, town districts/streets/housing estates.  This can be done on a rota basis which would allow the opportunity for people to be able to attend a Mass on a Sunday every few weeks.
• Consider the transfer of a daily morning Mass to an evening to facilitate workers.
• Consider designating a weekly Mass for elderly parishioners and their carers.
• Parishes should take into account the impact on capacity arising from anniversary Masses etc.  Consider spreading these Masses throughout the week and perhaps limiting the number of such anniversaries at any one Mass.  Ascertain in advance how many family members will be attending the anniversary Mass.

• Request those who have reserved a place at a specific Mass, who are now unable to attend to let the parish know. (This is where a dedicated phone number is beneficial and the phone number can be contacted on the day of the Mass).  
• Parishes must not allow people to attend Mass or to cater for any overflow of people on church grounds outside the church at the present time. The Government advice presently is that groups of up to 6 people who are not from the same household can meet outdoors.  Any large gathering outside the church would therefore be in breach of Government guidelines. 

SANITISATION and HYGIENE

In the church

• Each parish should establish a cleaning team to ensure that the church is cleaned in advance of the return of public Mass and then to ensure that the church is cleaned after every gathering.  The members of the cleaning team must wear a face covering and gloves at all times when cleaning the church.  
• Each church and sacristy must have in place appropriate hand hygiene facilities and hand sanitiser in place and display posters in relation to hand hygiene, cough etiquette and Covid-19.
• There must be hand sanitisers or dispensers for sanitising gel at all church entrance and exit doors, at the entrance to and exit from the sacristy as well as in the sacristy itself and at the entrance to the toilet and in the toilet itself.  Where dispensers are in use ensure that they are regularly topped up and checked in advance of each Mass.
• Holy Water fonts are to remain empty and should be covered, until further notice.
• Where church toilets are in use, the toilets will have to be cleaned after every use.

In the Sacristy

• Remember that the sacristy is also a place of work.  The appropriate notices in relation to hand hygiene, cough etiquette and Covid-19 must be displayed.  The sacristan must be provided with essential cleaning materials to keep the sacristy clean, such as wipes, paper towels and disinfection products.  The sacristan should be provided with tissues and a separate bin for disposal.  The bin to be emptied regularly.  The sacristy should be cleaned after each Mass.
• Care should be taken to see that communion hosts are covered at all times.  Make sure that hands are properly sanitized before the communion hosts are transferred carefully to a covered ciborium in preparation for Mass.  This will reduce the risk of the communion hosts being contaminated.

MINISTERS/VOLUNTEERS

• Liturgical ministers or volunteers should not feel under pressure to return to public ministry or to a volunteering role.  Where a volunteer or liturgical minister wishes to return to public ministry or a volunteering role, they should be advised of the new protocols.
• Some ministers/volunteers are over the age of 70.  The Government advice is that people over the age of 70 have the right to exercise their own judgement as to what extent they consider the cocooning guidance to be appropriate to them.  The advice is clear that where a person over the age of 70 has an underlying medical condition or is at very high risk of severe illness as a result of Covid-19 then they should follow the cocooning measures in order to keep themselves safe.  
• A contact log must be maintained by each parish containing the names and telephone numbers of all volunteers involved in the Mass and those involved in the Liturgy.  This is to facilitate contact tracing in accordance with Government requirements.  Note the Return to Work Safely Protocol published by the Government applies to all Parishes. 
• Each new usher, volunteer, liturgical minister etc. must complete the Return to Work Form.  There is no requirement that the completion of the form be repeated by every individual at every Mass.  The responsibility falls to each individual to notify the PP/Parish Office if there has been any material change to the information already provided.  Where a person has been on an extended absence or on holidays or is part of a rota system within the parish, it is good practice that the person sign a fresh Return to Work Form on their return to parish duty.
• Access to the sacristy should be limited to the sacristan, the priest, concelebrating clergy or deacon.  There should be no unauthorized access to the sacristy.  A contact log must be maintained in the sacristy.  The rules of social distancing apply to the sacristy. A maximum capacity should be established for the sacristy and all people using the sacristy must keep their physical distance from each other.
• Parishes should supply visors for all those playing an active role in the Mass.  Parishes should consider if each person should have their own visor and be responsible for its sanitisation and ensure they bring their visor to each Mass in which they are involved. The alternative is that the parish retains the visors and ensures that they are fully sanitised after each Mass prior to making them available for future use.  In the case of the former consider having some spare visors available where someone arrives without their visor or arrives with a damaged visor.
• All sacristans, volunteers, liturgical ministers, ushers etc. should be provided with training re Covid-19 protocols prior to taking up their roles.
• In advance of each Mass, prepare a list of all people who will be engaged in the Mass such as Ushers, Readers, Ministers of the Eucharistic, Collectors, Cantor, Musician, Cleaning Team, any other liturgical ministers or volunteers.  Remember the parish has a responsibility to all volunteers and those involved in the Liturgy and all persons involved must complete a Covid-19 return to work form.  A sample form is attached at Appendix 2

ROLE OF THE USHER AT PUBLIC MASSES

• The usher is there to assist and offer support and to encourage compliance with the guidelines. 
• Ushers should wear an armband marked accordingly to show that they are part of the support team.  This is preferable to the wearing of a high visibility jacket. 
• Ushers should be at the church at least 40 minutes prior to the start of Mass to facilitate entrance, ensure that the maximum capacity is not exceeded, to guide people to their seats, to guide people during the distribution of Holy Communion and to guide people on leaving the church.
• In order to ensure that maximum capacity is not exceeded it is recommended that entrance to the church be via the main entrance doors.  This will facilitate the ushers in managing numbers.  Additional entrances should not be used.  Parishioners should be encouraged to attend early and to be in their seats no later than 5 minutes before the Mass is due to start.
• If people arrive at Mass without reserving a time explain the position to them in a polite and courteous manner.  They can be asked to wait outside to see if vacancies arise and where this does happen, they can be directed to available seats.  (It is likely that cases will arise where people will reserve a Mass time and then for whatever reason will not attend).
• Within the church, the usher keeps the movement of people to a minimum and in so far as is possible have a one-way system in place and keeping crossover or pinch points to a minimum.  It is appreciated that each church layout is different and it will be a matter for each parish to devise a way of facilitating this taking account of the individual church layout. 
• The ushers shall assist the congregation in approaching the Communion Station by ensuring a direct one-way movement and making sure that all communicants maintain physical distance from each other.  Appropriate markings should be marked on the floor to facilitate physical distancing.  Consider asking the communicants to approach Holy Communion pew by pew and in churches with a narrow aisle put in place a system which allows communicants to approach the Communion Station on one side and return to their seat on the other side.  Try and minimize the crossing over of people where possible. 

• At the end of Mass have a number of exit points where possible and request people to leave in an orderly manner pew by pew and obeying the directions of the ushers. 

CELEBRATING PUBLIC MASSES

The Diocesan recommendation is that all taking particular roles at Mass would wear a transparent visor which helps people who do not know that they have the virus from spreading it to others.  It also allows for immediate recognition.

It is important that the celebration of the Eucharist be a joyful and uplifting experience,  notwithstanding the limitations being imposed as a result of Covid-19.

• Parishioners attending Mass should wear a face covering in church. (Note that face coverings are not suitable for children under the age of 13 and that not everyone will feel comfortable wearing a face covering.  While the wearing of a face covering is recommended it is not mandatory).
• Liturgical ministers and those involved in the liturgy should be in their places prior to the start of Mass. They must observe social distancing. 
• A simple entrance and recessional procession is recommended at the present time.
• The congregation shall be asked to sit and stand as appropriate during Mass.  The congregation shall be requested not to kneel.  Consideration should be given to making an announcement at the start of Mass pointing out the new requirements and thanking people for their cooperation.
• Concelebration should be limited and concelebrants should receive Holy Communion under both species using separate chalices or by intinction.
• Readers are recommended to wear a visor when proclaiming the word of God.  Readers should read from a separate microphone.
• Altar servers will not be permitted to exercise their ministry until further notice.
• Music may be provided by a cantor or instrumentalist, provided they maintain social distance. Since congregational singing is not recommended at this time, the cantor may consider music that would be otherwise unfamiliar to the congregation. Choirs are not permitted to exercise their ministry at this time. 
• Missalettes should not be used at Mass until further notice.  A newsletter may be made available for collection at the exit points when the congregation is leaving the church.
• At the Sign of Peace, invite the congregation to indicate their prayer for the other’s peace, by a wave, nod or other gesture while remaining socially distanced. 
• Place a box at the entrance/exit points of the Church for the collection of envelopes/cash offerings/offertory collection.  Request people to drop their offerings into these boxes reminding them that they can also make a donation online, by standing order/direct debit or by dropping their offerings into the Parish Office.  These boxes should be supervised at all times during Mass.
• After Mass, remind the ushers/volunteers/liturgical ministers etc. to sanitise their visor.  Where the parish is retaining the visors these must be sanitized immediately after Mass.

HOLY COMMUNION

The communion hosts are to be kept covered at all times, before and during the liturgy.  It is recommended that at each Mass, a sufficient number of hosts would be consecrated for that celebration only.  This is to reduce the risk of contamination.

• The Priest and the Ministers of the Eucharist must wear a visor at all times during the distribution of Holy Communion.
• Prior to the distribution of Holy Communion the Priest and the Ministers of the Eucharist must first put on their visor and then they must visibly sanitise their hands.  
• Holy Communion should only be given in the hand, until further notice. 
• Priest/Ministers of the Eucharist will take up a position at a communion station. There will be a table creating a social distance barrier between the priest/Minister of the Eucharist and the communicant. On the table there will be a hand sanitiser, in the event that there is a need to resanitise during the distribution of Communion. 
• For the distribution of Holy Communion the communicant should place their hands over the table, cupping them and the Priest/Ministers of the Eucharist shall drop the communion host into the hands.
• Where people reserve a Mass time, request the number of people who will be attending and ascertain if any person has a specific requirements, for example people with coeliac condition. The parish can then make arrangements to deal with their needs at the distribution of Holy Communion.

IN THE EVENT OF ILLNESS

Parishes must identify a designated isolation area where any person displaying any of the symptoms of Covid-19 must be brought and isolated.  This is a requirement of the Return to Work Safely Protocol.

• Should any Priest, sacristan, volunteers, liturgical ministers, ushers etc. experience any Covid-19 symptoms, they are to advise the Parish (and in the case of priests, the VF and his colleagues in the Pastoral Area), self-isolate at home and contact their doctor.  They should not return to Parish duty until all symptoms have cleared following self-isolation.
• In the event any Priest, Sacristan, volunteer, liturgical minister, usher or any other person, including any member of the congregation should develop Covid-19 symptoms or take ill during Mass they shall be isolated and taken to a designated isolation area.  Each parish should designate an isolation area and ensure that it is well ventilated.  Direct the person to go home, self-isolate and call their doctor.  If the person is not well enough to go home, arrange for transportation or for medical assessment but do not allow the person to use public transport.  (Refer to the guidelines already issued to parishes on the re-opening of Parish Offices and the return to work of parish employees and also refer to the Government’s Return to Work Safely Protocol).
• Carry out a complete and thorough cleaning of the isolation area and any area where the person was and prepare a report and carry out any follow up actions that may be required.  Provide any advice and assistance that may be required by the HSE.

PARISHES in the Diocese of Kerry can open their churches for personal prayer from Wednesday provided they keep with all guidelines from the Public Health authorities.

This will be done in consultation with their Pastoral Area and opening depends on the implementation of health and safety measures and will involve the need to prepare the church and make arrangements for daily cleaning.

Each parish is free to decide to open their churches for personal prayer from Wednesday, May 20.

BISHOPS in the Munster area have recommended that all Catholic funeral liturgies in the dioceses be limited to the funeral Mass with no removal to the church the night before.

They also say it is essential that in anointing the sick, the priest should use a cotton bud or surgical glove for the anointing with Holy Oil and dispose of them appropriately, while the rite should be administered while at a distance of one metre.

In a wide ranging statement from the Bishops of the Cashel Province — Archbishop Kieran O’Reilly; Bishop William Crean; Bishop Brendan Leahy; Bishop Ray Browne; Bishop Alphonsus Cullinan; Bishop Fintan Monaghan; Bishop Fintan Gavin — they address some of the issues arising from the current COVID-19 crisis.

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The full statement reads as follows;

“In the face of massive disruption at so many levels because of the Covid-19 crisis, we want to offer words of support and indicate some directions.

In its statement two weeks ago, the Irish Bishops Conference reminded us that as people of faith we are called to face the fears of this moment with a courage not our own and with a generous heart. It is a special time for us to turn to God with faith and prayer knowing that he is always with us. 

We want to acknowledge the generous spirit of social responsibility shown by so many with all the sacrifice that it entails for individuals, families, business, parish communities and the wider society. 

We note the helpfulness of the HSE guidelines and encourage everyone to do all they can in social responsibility to follow the advice being given.

On behalf of the people of our Dioceses, we express our gratitude to those working in healthcare, the services relating to healthcare and public services dealing with the fall-out from the virus. We are grateful for the spirit of volunteering on the part of many in local communities and on social media. 

The past week has been extraordinary. Despite the difficult loss of Sunday and weekday public celebration of Mass, people have been able to find some comfort and support in spiritual communion with the Masses being celebrated by priests every day.

It has been uplifting to see how many have accessed media outlets to follow Mass, take part in prayer moments, and seek out other prayer and religious resources on line. It has been a time to discover the value of quiet time of prayer in the home and prayer as a family, “the Domestic church”.

We have heard from many they are very grateful that churches have remained open. Indeed, priests have told us of a constant presence of individuals calling into churches for moments of prayer and recollection.

It has been a consolation to know that churches are still open, prayer is always possible, and that there is a vast community of prayer and support available to us even as we follow the recommendations around social distancing.

We want to express our gratitude to all our priests especially those who are elderly and may have health concerns themselves.

As well as celebrating Mass daily for the intentions of all the faithful, priests have put new arrangements in place in order to be able to communicate pastorally through telephone and social media.

We recognise the challenges priests face in their desire to reach out pastorally while always mindful of the public health recommendations.

We call on priests, especially those who are elderly and vulnerable, to take care also of themselves at this time.

Their ministry of prayer, blessing and support is valuable and needed, even if it is necessary to curtail to an absolute minimum direct pastoral contact with others.

A particular concern for us is the issue of funerals. In our view attendance at funerals should be restricted to the immediate family and very close friends.

The desire to offer condolences is commendable. Indeed, it is a work of mercy. But condolences can be expressed in the form of a letter, a text message, an e-mail.

The Covid-19 crisis will pass and there will be other possibilities for Mass or prayers to be said for those who die during this period. Such Masses and prayers will allow for people who cannot now come physically to the church to then come and offer their condolences. 

We recommend that all Catholic funeral liturgies in our Dioceses be limited to the funeral Mass. In other words, there should be no removal to the church the evening before. We strongly advise that the priest celebrating the funeral Mass should be the only priest officiating.

We give this advice on the basis of the widespread concern that everyone does their part to contain the virus. Mass should not be offered in family homes even in the circumstance of a bereavement.

Normally, priests are advised against visiting homes at this time because priests themselves may be carriers of the virus without knowing it or the virus may be in the house.

With regard to the sacrament of the sick to the dying (last rites) which may be as, or even more critical than healthcare for some, it is essential that in anointing the sick, the priest should use a cotton bud or surgical glove for the anointing with Holy Oil and dispose of them appropriately.

The rite should be administered while at a distance of 1 metre. It is important to follow recommendations on hand hygiene after the celebration of the Sacrament.

The priest should avoid contact with others in the house of the person who is seriously ill. 

It is clear that some priests will themselves, because of their health condition or age, feel unable to attend to the sick person in their local parish. They may need to call on another priest from elsewhere to celebrate the sacrament. 

On this Feast Day of St. Joseph, may we seek his intercession to protect us, especially those who have contracted the Covid-19 virus, recalling St. Paul’s words in the Letter to the Ephesians that we are called to a spirit of solidarity, that is, “with all humility and gentleness, with patience, to bear with one another in love” (Eph 4:1-2).

BISHOP Ray Browne is inviting all who have worked in the developing world or on the missions to an Evening of Celebration on Tuesday, October 22 at 8pm in St John’s Parish Centre, Tralee.

Many people in the diocese have worked with NGOs as development workers, with Viatores Christi, Trocaire, Concern, Goal or with the VMMs. Many religious and priests have gone as missionaries to serve in different parts of the world.

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This event is to acknowledge all the people who have spent time in the developing world and their contribution to the lives of many. The evening is one of celebration and song and a chance to meet others who have shared in the experience of working in different parts of the world.

Refreshments will be served on the night. If you wish to attend, please contact John Paul II Pastoral Centre at 064 6632644.

A NUMBER of clerical changes in the diocese have been announced by Bishop of Kerry Ray Browne today, but none affect parishes in the Tralee area.

In a statement on the Diocese of Kerry website, the Bishop thanked three retiring priests — Msgr. Dan O’Riordan, Very Rev. Luke Roche and Very Rev. Tadhg Ó Dochartaigh — for their many years of service.

“Each has given fifty years of ministry as a priest. What wonderful service. May they enjoy every blessing and good health in their retirement,” said Bishop Browne. “Sincere thanks to all the priests affected by this year’s new appointments for their willing cooperation.”

Continued below…

Bishop Ray Browne wishes to announce the following changes to the appointments of clergy in the Diocese of Kerry:

Retirements

Msgr. Dan O’Riordan P.P. Castleisland

Very Rev. Luke Roche PP Castlemaine

Very Rev. Tadhg Ó Dochartaigh P.P. Firies

Appointments:

Fr. Maurice Brick PP Lixnaw to be PP Castleisland

Fr. Anthony O’Sullivan Rathmore (pro tem) to be PP Lixnaw

Fr. Michael Hussey PP Castlegregory to be PP Ballylongford

Fr. Eamon Mulvihill PP Kilcummin to be PP Castlegregory

Fr. Joe Begley PP Dingle to be PP Glengarriff/Bonane

Fr. Michael Moynihan PP Glengarriff/Bonane to be PP Dingle

Fr. Padraig Kennelly PP Ballylongford to be PP Firies

Two more parishes without a Resident Priest:

The parish of Castlemaine will be served by the priests of the Killorglin Pastoral Area with Fr. Kevin Sullivan to be Moderator

The parish of Kilcummin will be served by the priests of the Killarney Pastoral Area with Fr. Kieran O’Brien to be Moderator

Fr. Denis O’Mahony PP Abbeydorney to be VF of the Naomh Bhréanainn Pastoral Area

Fr. Brendan Walsh PP Causeway to be Moderator of Ballyheigue

Priests of all Pastoral Areas of the Diocese take up different responsibilities outside their own parishes and within the Pastoral Area.  This will be decided and communicated locally.

These changes will become effective on Wednesday, July 17th 2019.

“The retirement of three of our priests has resulted in two more parishes without resident priests,” said Bishop Browne. “It brings the total number of such parishes to eight. Of our twelve Pastoral Areas just four have yet to have a parish without a resident priest. Thank God we had the ordination of a priest last year and we also have two seminarians studying for the priesthood. We continue to pray for vocations to serve as priests in our diocese.

It is a very sad occasion when a parish loses its resident priest. It is challenging for both the parish and for the whole Pastoral Area.

A parish without a resident priest means that the priests in the other three or four parishes in their Pastoral Area together provide a full service in that parish. In that situation no priest is any longer full-time in his parish of residence, each also ministers in the other parishes.”