Bishop Fintan Gavin has written to priests of the Diocese of Cork and Ross with norms to be effected in response to the spread of the Coronavirus.
“Following the announcement of measures to protect public health which have been announced by the Government today, the Irish Bishops’ Conference has issued norms, which I would ask you to implement with immediate effect.
“These are very difficult times for all of us and for the people to whom we minister.
“The Government announcement earlier today requires that the attendance at any event including Mass must not exceed 100 people. While today’s Norms from the Irish Bishops’ Conference allowed for the continuation of weekend Masses, it is not feasible to restrict the numbers in this way.
“In light of this, in the Diocese of Cork and Ross, all public Weekend Masses will be discontinued until further notice. This also refers to Masses for St. Patrick’s Day. “
Bishop Fintan asks priests to celebrate Sunday Mass privately for the people of the parish and, where available, to have it broadcast via webcam.
“It is important to note that people are not bound by the Sunday Obligation. My hope is that the people of your parish, while not able to join you physically, could join you spiritually in that Mass. Mass will continue to be live-streamed from the Cathedral at http://www.corkcathedral.ie. It is my hope to celebrate the 11.30 am Mass there each Sunday.
“Funerals, weddings, baptisms and weekday Masses may continue as long as the attendance does not exceed 100 people.