Bishop Alan McGuckian says people must work with the public authorities to bring Covid reproduction rate back down again because "people’s health and lives are at stake”.

"To have a different opinion does not mean to be an enemy. It is precisely from the contrast of opinions that the light comes," says Zimbabwe's Catholic bishops in the face of government suppresion of any form of dissent or criticism of its rulers' failings.

“One of the great strengths of our Catholic schools is that they form part of a wider parish and faith community who support one another," says Bishop Fintan Gavin.

"It has become increasingly clear that the wearing of face coverings is likely to reduce the spread of coronavirus, thus helping to protect others," say Irish Church leaders.

When the COVID-19 pandemic is defeated, the Irish Hospice Foundation (IHF) would like the government to declare a national day of mourning and reflection.

The foundation is calling for a series of events remembering those who have died since COVID-19 arrived in this country in March. The aim would be to [...]

"We cannot and should not expect to return to where we had been prior to Covid-19," says Archbishop Michael Neary of Tuam.

“It is not just a matter of re-opening the schools, it is putting in place the measures necessary to keep the schools open," says CPSMA general secretary Seamus Mulconry.

Killina Presentation Convent in Rahan has always been synonymous with serving the community, and now is set to be leased by a community group. The convent was opened in 1817 and after generations of nuns, and of pupils at the schools run by them, the convent closed last year. A steering group has been looking into other uses for the site and following a public meeting the needs have been established and plans are being made.

"The pandemic's effects are very particularly felt amongst the most vulnerable in society," says ACCORD NI regional director Deirdre O'Rawe.

"I do not feel that rushing Confirmations just in order to get them done will be the best experience for the children involved," says Archbishop Diarmuid Martin.

Thanks to a 'Herculean effort' by parishes, we are ready now to resume the sacramental life of the church, said Archbishop Micheael Neary.

"Parishes will work diligently to observe the new norms to ensure people can attend Mass safely," said Archbishop Diarmuid Martin.

"We will now be in the dreadful position of having to turn some people away from Mass once 50 people are already present,” said Fr Tim Hazelwood of the Association of Catholic Priests.

"The broad, global, and universal viewpoint offered by a Roman experience has been enriching for many down through the centuries," said the Irish Bishops' Conference

"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.

“A massive thanks to Masks 4 All Ireland for supplying free washable masks for our front line Crosscare staff. They are great designs and great quality!” said Archbishop Diarmuid Martin of Dublin.

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.

"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.

“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.

"The protection of life and the common good are guiding principles as we continue planning for safe and responsible return to Mass and sacraments," said Archbishop Eamon Martin.

"If the Department of Education listens to people on the ground, provides additional resources and puts in place a proper road map we will see a return to school in the Autumn," says Seamus Mulconry.

"Let us not forget the efforts that lie ahead," said Ireland's Church leaders quoting the British prime minister Winston Churchill.

But it could also be an opportunity for the new government to learn some lessons about how education could be designed more equitably.

“We desire the opening of our churches and access to the sacraments. Until then, we are continuing to pray and prepare," says Cardinal Vin Nichols and four other archbishops.

"Vulnerable women in unsatisfactory domestic circumstances are particularly at risk," says Bishop Hugh Gilbert OSB.

"Please continue to pray for all of us and especially for the patients and their families and all staff at the front line," says hospital chaplain Fr Damien O'Reilly.