Press Releases05 May 21

Resumption of in–person worship (RI) from 10 May 2021

Public health regulations in the Republic of Ireland in relation to religious services, attendance at funerals, and weddings, will be changing from next Monday, 10 May 2021.  The following infographic highlights the main changes and may be helpful for parishes in the State.  Feel free to share with others on Facebook and Twitter.

The above information has been provided by the Department of the Taoiseach.  The department has also issued a number of clarifications which may assist parishes as they plan to resume in–person worship:

Pods of 50

Where the size of the premises or place of worship allows for a capacity of greater than 50, this may be permitted only where:

• social distancing guidelines are adhered to;
• the premises can be sub–divided into distinct sections (cordoned or marked appropriately) of not more than 50 persons in each section;
• there is a minimum of 4 metres between sections;
• each section has its own entrance and exit route;
• there are separate arrangements for elements of the service involving close contact, for example in the distribution of Holy Communion;
• there is strictly no movement of people between sections before, during or after the service; and
• the premises is well–ventilated.

Funerals

There is an increased risk of transmission of the virus where families and communities come together following the death of a loved one.  Therefore, numbers at funeral services (and also weddings) is capped at 50 regardless of size of premises.

Notwithstanding the increase in numbers permitted, funerals are still considered private family events and arrangements should not be advertised in newspapers or online.

Funeral services should continue to be live–streamed to help reduce numbers attending. Attendance at wakes in private homes and at funeral homes remains unchanged i.e. immediate family only and people should be discouraged from queuing to pay respects.  

Singing

As with previous re–opening for religious services, congregational singing and choir singing is not permitted.  Solo singing with an accompanist is permitted subject to compliance with detailed guidance, available at this link.

Outdoor Worship is not permitted in line with Government restrictions on organised outdoor gatherings.

Drive–in Religious Services may take place outside places of worship (e.g. in a church car park) where all attendees remain in their vehicles and there is no sharing of a vehicle outside the family unit.

Use of religious premises for any other purposes, parochial activities, or community meetings etc. is not permitted in line with Government restrictions on organised indoor gatherings.

For further information please contact:

Mrs Lynn Glanville

Diocesan Communications Officer, Dublin & Glendalough 087 235 6472
dcodublin@gmail.com

www.dublin.anglican.org

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