Last Saturday, I was in his room in the hospital. His only concern was to talk about his funeral ceremony – and he wrote with his felt-tipped pen, ‘Keep the Mass simple.’ And music? ‘Simple.’ – Bishop Donal McKeown
On behalf of so many, I wish to express heartfelt thanks to the Albert Gubay Charitable Foundation for this exceptional and magnificent donation to such important work – Cardinal Vincent Nichols.
Fr Thornton said that standing outside the church collecting Trócaire boxes from passing cars was not the most unusual thing that he has done in recent times, as with COVID-19 “unusual” is the new normal.
The new regulation states that where a loan is for basic needs, like accommodation or electricity, moneylenders must inform the consumer that a moneylending loan may not be in their best interest and provide contact information for the Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS).
“We will need volunteers to assist with cleaning, stewarding, reading, ministering the Eucharist and other roles and responsibilities which some of our older members may be unable to fulfil at this time” - Archbishop Martin on Trinity Sunday.
“Today’s decision gives us the opportunity to take up the threads of faithful living in very particular ways of worship in our communities once again,” said Archbishop Jackson.
"There is no doubt that the greatest cross has been carried by those who have lost loved ones, as they have been unable to observe the rites and rituals associated with mourning," says Bishop Noel Treanor.
I welcome this news and like other priests in Ireland I am greatly looking forward to celebrating public Mass and the sacraments soon with our congregations – Archbishop Eamon Martin, Primate of All Ireland.
Under Operation Faoisimh, An Garda Síochána has recorded a 25 per cent increase in reports of domestic abuse compared to the same period last year. Already, many refuges are at full capacity – Kelley Bermingham, Community Officer with Saint Patrick’s Cathedral.
“We will perhaps look back on these years, remembering not just COVID-19 but also a pandemic of banality that expects little for and from human beings.”
Pilgrims are invited to take off their shoes and “do Lough Derg from afar”.
In his Pentecost message for the 'Thy Kingdom Come' movement, the Pontiff expressed the desire that Christians would be more deeply united as “witnesses of mercy” for the human family in a world experiencing a “famine of hope.”
Why have churches not been allowed to open for private prayer, when car showrooms and outdoor markets can open tomorrow? asks Cardinal Vin Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster.
"It is distressing that more than half of all COVID-19 deaths have occurred in nursing care facilities," said Bishop Michael Router, chairman of the Episcopal Council for Healthcare.
"The pandemic has revealed that ‘faith matters’, not just for faith communities but for wider society,” says Dr Gladys Ganiel.
This Saturday, in preparation for Pentecost, the Sacrament of Reconciliation will be available across the Waterford and Lismore diocese in open-air venues. For the list of confession times and venues, see the diocesan website – Bishop Cullinan.
Speaking to the Digital Parish, the popular composer and singer appealed to people not to forget those who are cocooning and do not have access to the web or social media.
Not being able to receive the Sacraments during the pandemic, "we were not being nourished and strengthened by them in the usual way” Bishop Dermot Farrell warns in his Pastoral Letter.
"We propose that, in addition to wearing face masks, ministers of the Eucharist would wear gloves, so there would be no contact of hands during the distribution of Communion," says Fr Dermot Leycock.
"Will virtual ministry become part of the post-pandemic landscape, and will this be a good move for your church?" ask the Mater Dei research team.
"We have a Christian duty to pray for the dead," says parish priest Fr Peter Byrne.
Encouraged by Pope Francis, Archbishop Eamon Martin invites grandparents and grandchildren to share their own stories this weekend – whether that’s over the phone, on social media, or by video call – about how they are “coping during the coronavirus crisis”.
“These guidelines hope to provide you with some information to help you make a well-informed decision about donating your organs after death,” said Bishop Paul Mason.
Lough Derg Prior Fr La Flynn, has issued an invitation for pilgrims to join him and the pastoral team for virtual one day retreats during the month of May. These day retreats will enable people to become part of a praying community in “real” time.
Archbishop Michael Neary of Tuam stated that the National Pilgrimage to Croagh Patrick on Reek Sunday is an important annual occasion for many people, and has a long and distinguished history. The Archdiocese of Tuam and the Parish of Westport took the decision to cancel in order to support the public authorities, and everyone’s efforts to suppress COVID–19
Churches can now open for private and personal prayer, provided the necessary precautions are in line with the guidelines.
Diocese of Limerick will host an online liturgy for Leaving Cert students on the evening of the day their exams were due to start.
Poets of all ages are encouraged to explore the theme, ‘Standing Her Ground’, from a local to global perspective. Each year, the winning poems are published in booklet form and presented to the winners at an awards ceremony.
“To not be able to receive communion at this most difficult time is very hard on people," says Fr Kevin McNamara, PP of Moyvane, Co. Kerry.
In addition to the lives of unborn babies that will be lost as a result of the home abortions that take place, Deputy Nolan raised the potential for devastating health outcomes that remote consultation generates for women self-administering abortion drugs – Pro Life Campaign.
