Michael Kelly
As this newspaper went to press this week all eyes were on the cabinet meeting at which a further relaxation of the Covid-19 restrictions was due to be discussed.
The Taoiseach Micheál Martin had indicated to religious leaders in a letter that there would be a relaxation of the ban on public Masses by mid-May. Let’s not forget that just a few weeks earlier the Government made the provocative move to back the ban up with penal provisions. Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly made it a criminal offence for a priest to leave his home with the intention of celebrating Mass at which members of the public could be present. Similarly, it is likewise a criminal offence for a Catholic to leave their home with the intention of attending Mass.
Amid our gratitude at being allowed to return to Mass, we shouldn’t forget that the Government in the Republic embarked on some of the most draconian restriction on religious freedom in the world.
Border
North of the border, even when it was deemed prudent to suspend public worship, this was done voluntarily and with the full co-operation of the Church and other denominations. There was no question of criminality as was the case in the Republic.
That being said, what has leaked out so far seems to suggest that the number of people attending Mass will be capped at 50 even in a church built to accommodate 1,500 people. At weddings and funerals, no more than 25 people will be able to attend. Government briefings are also suggesting that ceremonies like First Holy Communion and Confirmation ought not to take place because of the risk of social gatherings afterwards.
The Government is right to have legitimate concerns about large social gatherings, but it is not in order for the Government to set rules as to which religious celebration should be allowed in the church and which should not as long as the public health guidance is followed.
It is also imprudent for the Church to accept responsibility for social gatherings that may take place in the context of First Holy Communion, Confirmation or indeed Baptism. For years priests have preached against excess around parties following the reception of the sacraments. They have largely been ignored.
The sacraments – serving also as rites of passage – do not take place in isolation and the celebrations afterwards have become an important part of marking the occasion. But, the Church cannot regulate such celebrations nor should it allow the State to give the false impression that the Church is responsible for such celebrations.
Policeman
In relation to sin, Pope Francis has said that the Church should not act as a policeman. The same is true of Covid-19 – the public health guidance is clear. The Church can – and should – warn against social gatherings that would be in breach of regulations. But, it is not for parish priests to do the work of the health authorities or the gardaí.