Parish Response to Covid-19 Times

27 June 2020

Update

When can I go back to Mass?

Public Mass resumes on Monday, 29th June at 7.30 p.m. in Clarinbridge. Under current national restrictions we must maintain a physical distance of two metres and the indoor congregation is limited to less than fifty people(considerably less in Roveagh due to size).

How will I know if I will be able to get into the Church if there are such restrictions?

A ticketing system will be used for the month of July, so that people will know whether they will be inside for the Mass or not and we will be able to maintain a system of contact tracing where possible. You make contact with the Parish Office (091-776741 or thebridgeparish@gmail.com) to arrange a ticket. 

Can I just show up at the Church?

In these weeks the recommended option is to listen via the Parish Radio (106.2 FM). External speakers have been installed in both Churches to facilitate people outside. After every Mass, Fr. Barry will distribute Holy Communion to those who have participated in the Mass outside. The weekend Masses will be streamed online from both Churches. Please email the Parish Office if you wish to participate in the Mass via Zoom.

NOTE: Please enter the Car Park in Clarinbridge via the Main St. and exit via Barrack St., following the direction of stewards.

Is it safe to return to Mass?

For those following the guidelines of the H.S.E. and the Government, it will be safe to return to Mass. There are a number of reasons for saying this:

1. Anyone feeling unwell is being asked to stay at home.
2. All attending will be sanitising their hands.
3. Physical distancing will be in place.
4. Surfaces will be cleaned before and after liturgies.
5. People are encouraged to wear a mask.

Now, more than ever, each one of us must take personal responsibility for our safety and be conscious of the vulnerabilities of others.

Will there be extra Masses?

Yes, and some Mass times will be changed for the next month.

Can I go to Mass every day during the week without a ticket?

Not every day, for the moment. With the capacity at weekend Masses restricted, we have to give every parishioner the opportunity to participate in Mass in the Church at least once a month, so for weekday Masses please collect a ticket from the Parish Office before the Mass you hope to attend.

Will there be Eucharistic Ministers, Ministers of the Word and Altar Servers assisting at Mass?

No, not for the first weeks back. Since the space in both churches is limited and to minimise risk, Holy Communion will be distributed at the end of Mass for the first month and the priest will wear a mask.

Am I still required to receive Holy Communion on the hand?

Yes, but there is no obligation on anyone to receive Holy Communion if they would prefer not to.

When will Eucharistic Adoration re-commence?

When arrangements are in place to ensure the health and safety of all. For the coming months Adoration in Clarinbridge will be in the Church rather than in Suaimhneas. 

Does the Sunday Obligation to participate in Mass remain suspended?

Yes. Bishop Kelly recently confirmed this in a letter to the priests of the Diocese.

What will happen if Fr. Barry is instructed to self-isolate?

Public Weekday Masses will be cancelled and weekend Masses will have to be re-arranged, in accordance with the availability of another priest from the Diocese.

When are all these restrictions going to end?

A more helpful way of looking at all this might be to ask another question: 

Can I continue to make little sacrifices to keep myself and others in the locality 

free from being infected by the virus?

What about Confession?

Confessions can be arranged by contacting Fr. Barry. For obvious reasons, confession cannot be held in the confession box for now.

What about Baptisms?

There are currently quite a number of baptisms due to take place, so the parish norms are being suspended for the summer months and individual baptisms will be celebrated. The norms for Mass re distancing and congregational size also apply for baptisms.

What about Confirmation?

It is hoped that the Sacrament of Confirmation will be celebrated in the Parish in the month of August. The relevant norms will be observed to ensure the safety of all. Bishop Kelly has delegated Parish Priests to celebrate the Sacrament this year. Dates will be arranged in the coming days. 

What about First Holy Communion?

Dates for the First Holy Communion Masses will be arranged in the coming days. The relevant norms will be observed to ensure the safety of all at the First Holy Communion Masses.

What about Weddings?

Weddings can be arranged through the Parish Office. The norms for Mass also apply for weddings.

What about Funerals?

The norms for Mass apply for funerals. While the traditional ways of expressing sympathy may be suspended for now, every effort will be made to ensure that the community can support the bereaved in safe ways.

How can I make my donation to the upkeep of the parish (the weekly collection)?

By returning your envelopes to the Parish Office, by dropping them into the donation box when you are at Mass, via the Diocesan website, or by standing order or banking online (contact Parish Office for IBAN & BIC).

How can I make my donation to the Easter Dues (Priests’ Revenue Collection)? 

In the same ways as outlined in the previous answer.

How can I keep up with what’s happening?

By reading the Parish Newsletter each week and by checking on the parish website http://www.clarinbridgeparish.ie

How can I learn more about all that the Diocese is doing to prevent the spread of Covid-19?

By going to the diocesan website www.galwaydiocese.ie.

Mass Times for the Month of July 2020

Day	Clarinbridge	Roveagh
Saturday	6.30 pm
Sunday		10 am
	12 noon
Monday	7.30 pm
Tuesday	No Mass	No Mass
Wednesday	10 am
Thursday	10 am
Friday	10 am	7.30 pm