Diocesan News Covid-19 updates
18 March 2021 – March 26, Reopening of Churches, Statement by the NI Bishops
22 January 2021 – Statement by the Northern Catholic Bishops on the extension of the Covid
7 January 2021 – Statement from the Catholic Bishops of Northern Ireland
27 November 2020 – Clarification from the N.I. Executive Office relating to queries raised by Churches and faith communities in relation to the two-week period of lockdown that commenced Friday 27, Nov.
The key points are:
- Baptisms may NOT take place during the two week period of lockdown.
- A maximum of FOUR persons can be in the Church while a live broadcast is taking place.
- A live broadcast MAY NOT take place at the same time as the Church is open for private prayer.
The Diocesan Office has also been asked to signpost you to the following websites, regularly updated with regulations and advice:
https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/coronavirus-covid-19-regulations-northern-ireland
https://www.executiveoffice-ni.gov.uk/restrictions-curb-spread-coronavirus-questions-and-answers
22 August 2020 – A helpful resource, entitled, “Coping with COVID-19 A guide to support parents & carers of children” click here.
20 August 2020 – Updated recommendation regarding Face Coverings in Churches. The Church leaders, including Archbishop Eamon Martin, following recent consultations with public health authorities, are formally recommending and encouraging the use of face coverings at all Masses and other liturgical celebrations, along with the ongoing maintenance of 2 metre physical distancing, from Sunday 30th August 2020, and earlier if practicable. click here for full PDF
4 June 2020 – Statement from Bishop Noel Treanor on Reintroduction of Funeral Services and Requiem Mass – click here for full PDF copy.
18 May 2020 – Statement from Bishop Noel Treanor on the Reopening of Churches for Private Prayer – click here for full PDF copy.
27 April 2020 – We are aware of a fraudulent scam within some Parishes. Unscrupulous individuals are calling with vulnerable people (in some cases our Parishioners) and offering to:
- Take their weekly envelopes to the Church.
- Offering to do their shopping but wanting cash up front.
The parish will not be collecting envelopes at this time of social distancing.
16 April 2020 – Resources prepared by the Northern Ireland Bereavement Network and the Health Trusts’ Bereavement co-ordinators: Updated Council Burial Guidelines
> Covid -19 Grief and Bereavement Support Booklet
> Covid-19 Death Practical Advice Booklet
> Saying Goodbye workbook for Children
15 April 2020 – Accord NI have set up a Support helpline if you need to speak to an experienced couples & relationships counsellor during this time of unprecedented stress and pressure on family life… Contact: 028 9568 0151 9.00 am – 8.00 pm, Monday to Friday. All calls charged at local rate. Download poster here.
27 March 2020 – Update From Southern Trust re Hospital Visitation: To protect our patients, their families and our staff, we have to suspend all visiting to our hospitals with immediate effect. There are some exceptions to these restrictions however these remain subject to further review. We understand that this may be upsetting for some families however it is absolutely necessary to protect everyone. Down & Connor Hospital Visits – download poster here – exceptions