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First Communion & Confirmation Diocesan Regulations
06/Aug/2021
Dear Father,
I am acutely aware that young people and families have been
looking forward for some time to the Sacramental celebrations of First Holy
Communion and Confirmation. Some parishioners have understandably expressed
their disappointment with the ongoing postponement. This is especially the case
because our church buildings have been consistently maintained as safe places
throughout the coronavirus pandemic, and this high standard is a result of your
dedicated and ongoing hard work, and that of your parish committees.
Over the last few months we have had an impressive uptake in
vaccines, this is particularly timely as schools prepare to reopen in a few
weeks. To preserve the benefit our collective sacrifices to date, I believe
that it is important to continue to follow official public health advice in
relation to gatherings in the face of the continuing pandemic. I am, therefore,
asking all of our parishes to observe the current guidelines and to wait until
the appropriate time to hold these ceremonies.
Hopefully, as the vaccination programme advances, the time
will come very soon, to celebrate these important and joyful Sacramental
occasions.
With every good wish,
Francis Duffy
Bishop of Ardagh and Clonmacnois