Bishop Alan McGuckian SJ of Raphoe has confirmed that all Confirmations and First Holy Communions in the Diocese are postponed this summer.
Tánaiste Leo Varadkar yesterday announced that Communions and Confirmations services were “off, unfortunately” as the government announced a delay on reopening plans for hospitality and other indoor activities and services.
Bishop McGuckian has said it was “with a heavy heart” that he had to inform priests, young people and their families and school staff of the need to postpone Confirmations yet again.
“This sudden decision will be a cause of deep disappointment to all those involved,” he said.
In a statement to the Diocese, Bishop McGuckian apologised for the sudden pause to preparations.
He said: “The government, at very short notice, has declared that Confirmations and First Holy Communions ‘are off’. I know that all of our schools and parishes were making preparations to have small ceremonies in complete compliance with the Covid 19 guidelines.
“The Government have made it clear that NPHET have called for this deferment as a result of the rising threat from the very contagious Delta variant.
“Again I am very sorry that that we need to comply with this decision and I recognise the great inconvenience this causes to so many people.”
