A Shannonside Northern Sound Minister is hopeful that public health advice may be able to change in September in respect of social gatherings to facilitate celebrations around communion and confirmation.
Minister of State at the Department of Health Frank Feighan says he understands the frustration of Bishop Kevin Doran of Elphin with public health guidelines to advise against the holding of the two sacraments this month.
Five bishops, Elphin, Clogher, Meath, Raphoe, and Waterford and Lismore have stated that scheduled ceremonies would proceed in line with public health regulations.
Minister Feighan says that while he has full confidence in priests' ability to maintain public health guidance within the confines of the church, the issue is with celebrations afterwards.
He hopes that with increased vaccine rollout, there can be some change in the weeks ahead.
