Government Guidelines; Re-opening in respect of Religious Services.

We are looking forward to re-opening our Churches for public worship from Monday May 10^th, please find the enclosed information on the re-opening. It is much of what we already know and have heard but to keep in mind the following important points. From Monday 10^th of May 50 are permitted to attend Places of Worship for recommencement of Religious Services. As with previous reopening for services, the following protective measures continue to apply:

• 2m social distancing guidelines adhered to (members of the same household can sit/stand close together). Wearing of face coverings. Where possible separate points of entrance and exit, clearly marked. No congregation by people outside the premises before and after any service. Stewards on site to assist in this regard. Use hand sanitizer provided

Where the size of the premises/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 subdivided 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 and each section having its own entrance/exit route There are separate arrangements for elements of the service involving close contact, for example the distribution of Holy Communion. Strictly no movement of people between sections before, during or after the service. the premises is well-ventilated.

Drive-in Religious Services may take place outside places of worship (church carpark) where all attendees remain in their vehicles and no sharing of vehicle outside of family unit. We have a radio system in place 105.5fm, you can tune in from the comfort of your own car.

Singing. As with previous reopening for religious service congregational singing and choir singing is not permitted.

• Solo singing with accompanist is permitted subject to compliance with detailed guidance.

Funerals: The maximum attendance at funerals is currently 25. From 10^th May 50 mourners permitted at service. Notwithstanding the increase in numbers permitted, funerals are still considered private family events. Funeral services should continue to be live streamed to help reduce numbers attending. Attendance at wakes in private homes / Funeral Homes remains unchanged i.e. immediate family only people should be discouraged from queuing to pay their respects.

Weddings: From 10^th May 50 guests permitted at service (civil or religious). For celebrations/receptions, a maximum of 6 people are permitted for indoor gatherings and 15 people for outdoor gatherings. Thanks to our Church support teams who have given so much during this Pandemic, to keep all our parishioners safe.

We begin Monday with Mass in Donoughmore at 10am, Wednesday Knockea at 10am, the weekends will be Saturday evening Donoughmore 7pm and Sunday Knockea at 11am.

While the vaccination programme is continuing to progress we look forward to seeing you back again with us in our Churches. Thank you for your continued support and prayers as we start back and stay well everyone.