COVID-19

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CHURCH CAPACITIES – New Update 

From 22nd October 2021: Further to the Government announcement on Tuesday last 19th October regarding Covid-19 restrictions, the current venue capacity of 50% for Places of Worship will change from Friday 22nd October when:

“religious services and weddings can proceed  without capacity limits but with all other protective measures remaining in place” .

This is a very positive measure, however it is imperative that all other Covid-19 protective measures remain in place in order to protect all members of our communities/congregations. 

Premises should be well ventilated, hand sanitiser should be provided, Places of Worship should continue to use separate entry and exit routes, and face masks should be worn.

Congregations should be encouraged to spread out as much as possible when attending Places of Worship and those experiencing any Covid-19 symptoms should not attend.

Updated 22 October 2021

CHURCH CAPACITIES – Update

From 6th September:  Religious services and ceremonies (for example Baptisms, First Communions, Confirmations, Weddings and Funerals) may proceed with 50% of venue capacity, regardless of immunity status of attendees.

(Subject to appropriate protective measures including social distancing as much as possible, hand sanitising, face masks etc).

All other measures designed to minimise necessary physical interaction during services should be maintained.

Updated 03 September 2021

Message From Bishop Brendan Leahy on FIRST HOLY COMMUNION & CONFIRMATION Ceremonies

Dear Parents and Children, Principals, Teachers and Priests,

I write to you with great regret to say that, following public health advice directly to the Catholic Church from the Taoiseach’s Department this afternoon and last week’s recommendation from the HSE, it is necessary to heed this advice and defer First Holy Communion and Confirmation ceremonies until further notice.

Due to the uncertainty at the moment regarding the impact of the Delta variant, we have been strongly advised that no ceremonies should be rescheduled until we receive further public health advice.

I deeply regret that we are in this position again of having to defer these special celebrations that you were all so committed to and so much looking forward to. While your preparations still stand, I appreciate this is a huge disappointment to all concerned and I would dearly wish if circumstances were different. It is not something we anticipated a number of weeks back when we were requested to defer until the anticipated post July 5^th  lifting of restrictions.

But given that the Taoiseach’s request, based on public health advice, has come so quickly following last week’s recommendation from the HSE in the Mid-West, it is clear that there is really no choice but to take this on board.

I also regret the timing and that families have only a matter of days to react ahead of the first scheduled ceremonies next week. While this is very difficult for people to take, none of us can ignore warnings given about the substantial threat from the Delta variant and subsequent advice from the Taoiseach’s Department relating to this.

If anything, this latest COVID-19 set-back is reminding us all again of our vulnerability. COVID has, indeed, reminded us of many things but, above all, our need to do whatever we can to protect the vulnerable in society. So, it is with a heavy heart that I ask you to accede to the Government’s strong advice to defer.

Yours sincerely,

+ Brendan Leahy, Bishop of Limerick

Update 01 July 2021

WELCOME BACK RE-OPENING OF CHURCHES FOR PUBLIC WORSHIP 

Further to the Government announcement, the following restrictions apply from 10^th May 2021 in respect of Religious Services.

Most people are aware that from this Monday, May 10^th it will be possible to have congregations at our weekday and weekend Masses.   Religious Services will continue to be available online and Places of Worship will remain open for private prayer.

From 10^th of May, up to 50 are permitted to attend Places of Worship for Religious Services subject to social distancing guidelines being adhered to.  As with previous reopening for services, the following protective measures continue to apply:

• 2 metres social distancing guidelines adhered to (members of the same household can sit/stand close together)
• Wearing of face coverings and hand sanitising
• No congregation of people outside the premises before and after any service
• Stewards on site to assist in this regard

Attendance at Funerals: From May 10^th,  50 mourners permitted at service.

Related events, either before or after, should not take place.

Weddings: – From May 10^th,  50 guests permitted at service.

We thank all our Stewards and Sanitisers for their continued support and presence which will enable us to open with safety.

Updated 07 May 2021

BAPTISMS

Bishop Brendan Leahy has advised Parishes that it should now be possible to have Baptisms but the number taking part needs to be limited (not more than 6 persons) with a particular plea to families not to celebrate at home indoors as set out in Public Health guidelines.

Due to a backlog and small numbers it may suit families to have a midweek baptism at 6.30pm.

Bookings may now be made with the Parish Office 061 353454.

16/04/2021

Update 23/04/2021:  For Patrickswell Church baptisms you may also contact our sacristan in Patrickswell, Maria Bucke.

FUNERAL GUIDELINES

The following guidelines were received from the Bishops of the Cashel Province.  The purpose is to try and remind people of the risks associated with being together in the context of a funeral, outside the churches or in the cemeteries.

1. Public Health guidelines are clear: attendance at funerals is to be restricted to 10.  We appreciate there are some who believe that for the sake of accommodating the immediate family it would be better to allow a number higher than 10 for the funeral liturgy in a church.  We too look forward to when that number can be increased.  However, it is important that undertakers and priests clarify with bereaved families as early as possible regarding the limit of 10 people in the church. 

2. As recommended in our statement last March, there should be no removal to the church the evening before. 

3. People not attending the funeral liturgy should avoid congregating immediately outside the church building or around the hearse.  For the sake of the great majority trying to keep to the public health guidelines, we ask people, difficult as it is, not to approach the bereaved in the church grounds or cemetery to sympathise. 

4. As per the public health guidelines regarding social and family gatherings, there should be no wakes or large gatherings for prayers in the house of the deceased nor gatherings in cemeteries. 

5. Support for the bereaved can be expressed through social media as an alternative to attending the funeral.  Often it is possible to link to a local church for a funeral ceremony via a webcam/Facebook Live. We invite people to pray for the deceased and family of the deceased in their own homes at the time of the funeral Mass.

The Bishops of the Cashel Province are Archbishop Kieran O’Reilly; Bishop William Crean; Bishop Brendan Leahy; Bishop Ray Browne; Bishop Alphonsus Cullinan; Bishop Fintan Monahan; Bishop Fintan Gavin.

Ends

26th January 2021

Full statement here

Level Five Restrictions Return:

A Message from Fr. Mike Cussen P.P:

Due to the very worrying rise in Covid-19 cases across the nation, we see the return of Level 5 restrictions from 26th December 2020 and for the next while, although our churches remain open for quiet and personal prayer, sadly they are once again closed to public worship.  All our Masses and services will continue online via livestream on our webcam.  Although you cannot attend in person you may be assured that we are thinking of you all when we are celebrating Mass and we will continue to keep you all in our prayers.  Even though we are separated we are very much connected in faith.

With every blessing – Fr Mike

1st January 2021

26/12/2020: Masses Online Only, until further notice, due to Level 5 Restrictions

Christmas Eve Family Liturgy: 

Notice from Fr Éamonn Fitzgibbon

In other years we have had a Family/Children’s Mass on Christmas Eve.

However due to Covid restrictions we have this year decided to have an online family liturgy through Zoom. This will take place at 5.00pm on Christmas Eve.

If your family would like to participate, please send an email to me at eamonn@ldo.ie and I will forward you the link to join. It will of course be very different but also will be a nice opportunity for families across the parish to come together virtually and share a moment of prayer – providing an opportunity to be together even though apart. It is my hope that different families will lead different parts of the liturgy (and we may even have a special guest or two!).

If you and your family would like to participate please email me before Tuesday evening 22^nd December.

Signed: Fr Éamonn 17/12/2020

Retirement of Mr. Joe Lyons, Principal of Saint Joseph’s National School, Ballybrown:

Mr. Lyons, Principal of Ballybrown National School for the last fifteen years, will be retiring on Tuesday January 5th, 2021.  To mark the occasion Fr. Cussen is celebrating Mass in his honour in Ballybrown church on Tuesday 22nd December 2020 at 9:30 am.

In accordance with Covid-19 regulations, the school community will not be in attendance.  However, the Mass will feature pre-recorded prayers, readings and songs from the children and staff.  You may view the live stream online HERE .

 Update 16th December 2020 

Christmas Masses – Arrangements for attendance: 

Due to Covid-19 Level 3 Restrictions, Parishioners wishing to attend Mass on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day will have to book a place in order to adhere to the restrictions in place.

We ask you to write your name along with contact details on a piece of paper, drop it into the boxes provided in the Church where you wish to attend Mass. 

Closing date for receipt of names is Wednesday 16^th December at 4.00pm.

A draw will then take place; those whose names are drawn will receive two tickets to attend Mass on the day they requested.

Update 05/12/2020 

Moving to Level 3 on Tuesday 1st December 2020 with Special Concession 

Special Concession for Places of Worship to reopen at Level 3 in light of upcoming Christmas period, to be reviewed in January.

This will allow for up to 50 worshippers to attend Parish Masses with the following protective measures:

• 2 metre Social Distancing guidelines adhered to (members of the same household can sit/stand close together)
• Wearing of face coverings
• Where possible separate points of entrance and exit, clearly marked
• No congregation by people outside the premises before and after any service
• Stewards on site to assist in this regard
• Funerals and Weddings: Numbers permitted at these events remains at 25.

27th November 2020

Ballybrown Church:

We are delighted to announce Live Streaming of Masses is now available from both Ballybrown and Patrickswell churches.

Míle Buíochas: To those who gave of their time in working through the many difficulties with connecting the cable into Ballybrown Church.

To view live stream webcam click or tap on Live Stream tab on Menu at top of page or HERE and then select the Play button for Patrickswell or Ballybrown.

26th November 2020

Patrickswell Church:

Patrickswell Church is open for Quiet and Personal Prayer also on Sundays in November from 12 noon until 4.00pm.  This is in addition to the weekday openings of every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 11.00am to 4.00pm.

Full details HERE

18th November 2020

Ballybrown Church:

As from Sunday 8th November, Ballybrown Church is now open for quiet and personal prayer each Sunday from 12 noon to 4.00pm, in addition to being open every Tuesday and Thursday from 11.00am to 4.00pm.

Full details HERE

6th November 2020

Level 5 Restrictions:

With Level 5 Restrictions now in place for the next six weeks Parish Masses will continue to be broadcast online only.  Click HERE for the live stream via our webcam in Patrickswell church.  Public celebration of Mass is limited to funerals and weddings. The maximum number for both is 25 persons.

Any queries regarding Anniversary Masses, Mass Cards, Church Events etc., please telephone the Parish Office during office hours on 061 353454 or email pwbbparishoffice@gmail.com.  Mass Cards will continue to be available from the Office during office hours.

Our churches remain open for quiet and personal prayer at the times already arranged under Level 3 Restrictions below.

ADORATION: Patrickswell church on Saturdays from 8.30 am to 11.30 am can also be viewed on the webcam here

Please refer to our online newsletter HERE for more information over the coming days and weeks.

Update 21st October 2020

Level 3 Restrictions:

Further to the Government announcement on Monday 5^th October 2020 that all parts of the country will be moving to Level 3 on the National Framework for living with Covid-19 from midnight on Tuesday 6^th October, very sadly once again public worship has been suspended for three weeks.  Therefore Masses will be broadcast online only, via our live stream webcam in Patrickswell Church.   Our churches will  be open as follows for quiet and personal prayer:

Ballybrown from 11.00am to 4.00pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Patrickswell from 11.00am to 4.00pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Baptisms are deferred for the duration of Level 3 Restrictions.

Weddings may proceed, but with a limit of 25 guests for ceremony and reception.

Funerals Up to 25 mourners can attend.

Please refer to our live stream page HERE and online newsletter HERE for more information over the coming days and weeks.

 Update 7/10/2020

First Holy Communion Patrickswell 2020 – Live Stream 

This year’s First Holy Communion Mass for Patrickswell is taking place in Blessed Virgin Mary’s Church, Patrickswell on Saturday 26th September at 11.00am.  As numbers in the church are restricted to 50 in accordance with current Government and HSE Guidelines, the Mass will be streamed live  click on Live Stream at top of screen.

Update 21/09/2020

First Holy Communions Ballybrown 2020 – Live Stream 

This year’s First Holy Communion Masses for Ballybrown are taking place in Saint Joseph’s Church, Ballybrown over two days, Friday 21st August at 3.00pm and on Saturday 22nd August at 10.30am and 2.00pm.  As numbers in the church are restricted to 50 in accordance with current Government and HSE Guidelines, the Masses will be streamed live on the Ballybrown GAA Facebook page and can be viewed HERE.

Update 19/08/2020

Dates of First Holy Communions 2020:

The dates for the celebration of First Holy Communions in this Parish have now been rescheduled to August and September.

Please see Calendar and Sacraments for details.

Update 30/07/2020

MASSES UPDATE:

I am pleased to be able to tell you that from Monday 20th July there will be no need to book a place for midweek or weekend Masses in Patrickswell and Ballybrown churches.  Places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis, subject to the limitations of current social distancing protocols and public health measures.

As you arrive at the main door of the church we would ask that you queue staying two metres apart and to follow directions of Stewards at all times.  Stewards will guide you as you come in.  After sanitising  your hands. you will be guided by a Steward to your seat.

If there is an overflow of people, you may wish to remain in the car park to hear Mass over the public address system and Holy Communion will be brought to you.

• We ask you to arrive early so as to help keep safety a priority and to be patient with the Stewards
• We would encourage people to wear a face mask
• Please do not attend Mass if you are feeling in any way unwell
• The Main Entrance only will be used for entering the church; there will be a one-way system in operation.

More details on this weekend’s Parish Newsletter 19 July 2020.

We thank you all for your presence, support and patience and we can appreciate this is very different and may be difficult for some.

Fr. Mike 

17/07/2020

MIDWEEK & WEEKEND MASSES

From Monday 13th July there will be no need to book a place for midweek Masses.  People will be allocated a seat in the church on a first come first served basis. If there is an overflow of people, you can remain in the car park and Holy Communion will be brought to you. A seat will need to be reserved to attend Mass at the weekends. This can be done through the Parish Office between 10am and 12 Noon Monday, Thursday or Friday telephone 061 353454.

Update 11/07/2020

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED 

VOLUNTEERS – In order to keep our Churches open and in compliance with HSE guidelines over the coming weeks, we need the generous support and help of our parishioners to set up rotas for Stewards and a Sanitising Committee.

1. Stewards:  It will be necessary to have four to five people for each Mass who will volunteer to help out and set up a rota for the coming weeks.

2. Sanitising Committee:  The two churches must be sanitised after each Mass including funeral Masses and again we are asking for the support and help of our parishioners to allow us operate a rota.

If you would be willing to help in either of these roles or any other volunteering role in the Parish, please call or email the Parish Office tel. 061 353454 giving your name and contact details.

​Thank you for your support.

​Fr. Mike

05/07/2020

Celebration of Public Masses:

I wish to let you know what will be happening in Patrickswell/Ballybrown over the coming weeks as we welcome the return of the public celebration of Mass to our churches.

You may find when Masses resume that it will take some time to get used to the new reality and rules.  My best advice for all of us is to realise that things are not simply going back to the way they were.  Your understanding and patience in journeying with us all together along the “new normal” is greatly appreciated.

For the present Patrickswell will commence with two weekday Masses and two weekend Masses. Commencing Wednesday 1^st July at 9.30am and Saturday 4^th July at 6.30pm and Sunday 5^th July at 11.30am and thereafter Monday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday.

Ballybrown will also commence with two weekday Masses and two weekend Masses.  Commencing Thursday 2^nd July at 9.30am and Saturday 4^th July at 8pm and Sunday 5^th July at 10am and thereafter Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.

Unfortunately seating in our churches will be limited due to restrictions on space and numbers in accordance with Government regulations.  You will need to reserve a seat if you wish to attend any of our Masses.  This can be done through the Parish Office telephone 061 353454 from 10am to 12 Noon on any Monday, Thursday or Friday.

Due to the current Covid-19 Coronavirus pandemic, our churches in Patrickswell and Ballybrown unfortunately were closed for two months from mid-March to mid-May 2020 and no public Masses or other public devotions permitted to take place.  During this time of closing, online daily and weekend Masses and rosary for our Parish Pastoral Unit were streamed live each day from Raheen church.  Masses continue to be live streamed from Raheen daily and may be found by following the link mcrparish or at https://www.churchservices.tv/raheen

Fr. Mike Cussen

25/06/2020

Call For Volunteers

We are now preparing for the long-awaited return to the celebration of Mass and other Sacraments in our churches.  This is most welcome  but we must  abide by the guidelines set out by the Government and the HSE so as to ensure safety for all who come to our churches.  If we have arrangements in place this journey can begin on June 29th.  Our Parish Pastoral Council will meet to discuss what needs to be done.  As indicated by the guidelines, only so many people will be able to attend each church ceremony.  Limiting numbers at Mass is necessary but very painful.   EXTRA HELP WILL BE NEEDED TO ENSURE WE CAN PUT THESE ARRANGEMENTS IN PLACE.  IF YOU CAN ASSIST IN HELPING PLEASE CONTACT THE PARISH OFFICE tel. 061 353454 or email pwbbparishoffice@gmail.com.

Update 21/06/2020 

Our Churches Are Open:

We welcome all visitors to our Churches for Quiet and Personal Prayer.

Now Open Daily.

Ballybrown from 11.00am to 4.00pm.
Patrickswell from 2.00pm to 7.00pm.

Please follow COVID-19 Guidelines

Update 18/05/2020