Department says celebrating public Mass is not penal offence

Priests will not face fines or imprisonment if they celebrate public Mass under Covid-19 regulations the Department of Health has said, amid confusion over new rules. The department told The Irish Catholic the celebration of public Mass is not a penal offence, despite Regulation 8 of restrictions introduced to the Health Act 1947 on October 22 stating that organising all but certain events is a penal offence.

Public Mass is not included in the list of ‘relevant’ events, with the department saying: “A relevant event does not include an event held for religious reasons.”

Under the Government’s five-level framework religious services are allowed to take place in levels 1 and 2 but should move online in levels 3, 4 and 5, with weddings and funerals being exceptions –albeit with limited numbers.

A spokeswoman from the Department of Health stated: “Throughout the pandemic, the Government has sought to implement these measures on the basis of guidance as opposed to regulations and this remains the case under current measures. As such, holding a religious gathering is not a penal offence.”

Regarding a priest’s ministry, they are only permitted to travel to perform a service on-line, to minister to the sick, and conduct a funeral or wedding ceremony under Regulation 5 of the restrictions which outline what a “reasonable excuse” is for leaving a “place of residence”.

This is described as a penal provision. The regulations could remain in place until December 1.