Message from Fr. Coleman about First Holy Communion and Confirmation

​Friends, boys and girls,

Last week, Bishop Deenihan wrote to priests, and he referred to the celebrations of First Holy  Communion and Confirmation which were scheduled in many parishes, including our own, during the month of May.  The Bishop said

" Understandably, many parents and teachers are wondering about  Confirmation and First Holy Communion Ceremonies.  I think we will have to wait until Church ceremonies are allowed before we can realistically answer these questions.  It also seems likely that Church gatherings will be somewhat down the line and certainly not in any first stage of restriction lifting."

So, when will our Ceremonies take place?  The simple answer is  "we don't yet know."  it depends on the decisions of those responsible for public health.   It is really outside our control.   As soon as there is any indication that it may be possible to hold our Ceremonies,  the Bishop will issue a new Confirmation Ceremony timetable, and the three parish  primary schools will be consulted to agree new dates for First Holy Communion ceremonies. 

What can we do in the meantime?  Maybe parents could continue to pray with their children. May, for example,   is the time for May altars !   First Holy Communion and Confirmation are among the most special days in a child's life.  They  will be wonderful,  whenever  they  happen this year.   After our present disappointment,  they will be days  and moments worth waiting for.

God bless and keep safe,
Fr William