Bishop Fintan Gavin has written to all priests in the diocese requesting “that the celebration of a public Mass with a congregation be discontinued also on weekdays”, until further notice.
During this time, Fr Tom Hayes will offer Mass each day privately for the intention that has already been assigned to the Mass.
“In light of the continuing measures to protect public health announced by the Government including the requirement that the attendance at any event such as Mass must not exceed 100 people and that social distancing should be exercised, I now extend the request that the celebration of a public mass with a congregation be discontinued also on weekdays. This also applies to Station Masses. You may inform people of this at Mass on tomorrow Monday March 16th which will be the last public Mass with a congregation, apart from funerals and weddings, until further notice.
“I would encourage each priest to continue to celebrate Mass privately for the people of the parish and, where available, to have it broadcast via webcam. 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 each day from the Cathedral at http://www.corkcathedral.ie.
“Churches will remain open for private prayer. Prayer resources are presently being prepared which people can use in their homes and should be available soon on the diocesan website.
“Funerals, Weddings and Baptisms can continue to be celebrated. I would encourage you to keep such celebrations to immediate family and close friends. The health authority’s norms on limiting attendance at indoor gatherings to 100 people and the norms regarding social distancing are strictly binding on all.
I urge you to take every precaution with your own health. In these difficult times, we keep one another and those we serve in our prayers and we continue to offer Christ’s message of comfort and hope in whatever way we can.”