Bishop hits out at ‘political’ decision to ban Holy Communion ceremonies

Bishop Tom Deenihan has said he is “troubled” that the Government has intervened to cancel First Holy Communion and Confirmation ceremonies, despite assurance from State officials that places of worship are safe. He also said that parents who are disappointed by the move should make their feelings known to politicians.

The Bishop of Meath was reacting after Tánaiste Leo Varadkar claimed that Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan had advised that the reception of the sacraments of initiation should not proceed due to Covid-19 fears. However, Dr Holohan has denied that either he or the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) gave such advice about cancelling the ceremonies.

Bishop Deenihan said: “This is a political decision that was made without consultation with Church authorities.

“I remain troubled that any Government or Government minister can cancel the celebration of religious worship or the sacraments while, crucially, saying at the same time that what happens within a church is safe. This goes to the heart of freedom of worship,” he said in a statement this afternoon (Thursday).

Bishop Deenihan pointed out that: “The decision was, according to the Tánaiste, based on the recommendation of NPHET. However, today’s newspapers report that Dr Tony Holohan informed members of Dáil Éireann yesterday that he never requested that Confirmations and First Holy Communions be postponed.

“That has added to the sense of confusion and anger amongst callers to the diocesan office,” the bishop said.

He described the decision by the Government as “a source of much disappointment to the young people who have been preparing for and looking forward to the various ceremonies.

“It is a source of disappointment to their parents, teachers and clergy too who have been involved in preparing them for an important moment in their faith. The proximity of the cancellation to the actual ceremony, which was based on previous Government advice, means that parents have days off planned and other expenses have been incurred,” he said.

Bishop Deenihan also pointed to the fact that the health authorities have repeatedly said that it is clear that churches are as safe as possible.

“It is of some surprise that while Government officials have indicated that churches are safe, their concern is what happens afterwards in relation to domestic and other settings. I am confident that, at this juncture, parents know what is safe, will not want to put their families at risk and should be trusted in relation to what happens in their own home,” he said.

He described the move as putting parishes “in a difficult position”.

“While there is a temptation to ignore Government on religious worship and the celebration of the sacraments, and many have encouraged such a course of action, that would cause concern to some parents too and would politicise the sacraments, something which, I believe, should be avoided at all costs.

“Once again, despite having a schedule devised for Confirmation in the diocese starting next week, I find myself in the troubling and regrettable position of having to cancel,” the bishop added.

He said it is “unreasonable to ban sacraments for everyone on the basis of what might happen in some cases afterwards. Such measures have not been applied across any other sector of society. Other places have either been closed or can open based on what happens within those places. The Church seeks no more and no less,” he said.

Underlining the frustration felt by families, Bishop Deenihan said that “many people have been contacting this office and the various parishes expressing concern and seeking information. In the light of Dr Holohan’s clarification, I would suggest that such calls are directed towards the politicians who made this decision.

“In the meantime, be assured that the important sacraments of First Holy Communion and Confirmation will be celebrated as soon as possible in the diocese. The celebration of Baptism will proceed in this diocese subject to the pastoral judgement of the local clergy, minimum numbers and public health precautions,” he said.