DUBLIN: A prominent Catholic priest has openly said that he will not accept the Government’s decision not to hold Communions and Confirmations.
It was hoped that from July 5 the churches would be able to resume worship services. But as the Government decided to delay the complete reopening, Mr. Varadkar stated that Communions and Confirmations are not permitted.
Responding to this, Fr. Michael Toomey, administrator of the parishes of Ardfinnan, Ballybacon and Grange, openly stated that he would not follow the Government order and that he still plans to celebrate two confirmations in his parish next weekend.
Fr. Toomey, who is also the administrator of the Newcastle / Fourmilewater parishes in the Diocese of Waterford and Lismore, said he will continue to perform baptisms and other sacraments if families request it until his bishop directs him differently.
The COVID-19 restrictions had caused frustration within the churches, but he said that “we in the Church and indeed all places of worship, have done everything asked for, and more.”
“Yet, again, we are merely being brushed aside without any consultation and consideration for the sacraments and the lives of so many young people and families,” he added.
The priest pointed out that, despite the Tánaiste’s declaration, there was no official instruction on postponing the sacraments. “Again, the Government has pushed aside sacramental celebration, many already postponed, despite the Church being opened for Mass and other services.”
Fr. Toomey said he fully understands the concerns about the virus and the new Delta variant. He also said that the authorities were concerned about gatherings taking place after church services. He added that the priests had shared the best public health advice and warned against large gatherings, and that they would continue to do so.
Health officials had written to three dioceses asking them to suspend Communion and Confirmation ceremonies until the autumn over concerns about the COVID infection. The letter was addressed to the dioceses of Cashel and Emily, Limerick and Killaloe.
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