[ad_1]
The four Catholic Archbishops of Ireland have requested a meeting with Taoiseach Micheál Martin to address concerns about the loss of massive services during the Covid-19 restrictions.
At level 3, all religious services must move online, although places of worship may remain open for private prayer.
However, a letter from the archbishops points out that the communal celebration of Mass and the sacraments, even with a limited number, “is the core of what it means to us to be a Christian community.”
“We wish to engage constructively with civil authorities to ensure that our people have continued access to the support of the Mass and the Sacraments and essential spiritual nourishment during these challenging times,” he says.
The letter, the copy of which has been seen by The Irish Times, is signed by Archbishop Eamon Martin of Armagh; Archbishop Diarmuid Martin of Dublin; Archbishop Michael Neary de Tuam; and Archbishop Kieran O’Reilly of Cashel and Emly.
They highlight their support for the guidance of public health authorities, but are clearly concerned about the massive access only online.
Mass, the letter explains, “is not simply ‘gatherings’ of people, but profound expressions of who we are as a Church.
“We are also well aware that for parishes and individual Catholics the loss of these spiritual supports can be a source of great anxiety and fear, and can have a detrimental impact on their overall health and well-being.
“We would be grateful to have a meeting with you in the next few days and we look forward to a constructive discussion on these issues.”
[ad_2]