CANCELLED

It seemed like a good idea to reach out to people of faith in the parish. They have been deprived of attending Mass in recent weeks and may well be so deprived for an extended period into the future. We tried to find a way of, at least, allowing them to receive Holy Communion. This was to take place on Sunday, 22nd March, at 12.15pm in Askeaton. Due to advice received from the HSE we now, regretfully, have had to cancel this arrangement.

I wish to thank all of you who shared the first message on Facebook, especially Askeaton GAA and Ballysteen GAA.

Might I respectfully ask you all to help spread this latest information concerning the cancellation of the distribution of Holy Communion on Sunday, 22nd March.

Thanks.

(This was the original message, but the event below will not now take place)

I know how important it is for so many people to receive the Lord in Holy Communion so I will be putting a procedure in place on Sunday (March 22nd) whereby people may receive the Eucharist.

Both churches of the parish are closed for public Mass (though the churches are open from 12.00noon until 6.00p.m. each day for private visits).

On Sunday, Mass will be celebrated privately in Askeaton Church at 11.30a.m. This can be heard on the parish radio link.

At 12.15p.m. I will distribute Holy Communion to anybody who wishes to receive it, in the following way:

a. I will stand near the front door of the parochial house with the Eucharist.

b. People who wish to receive should arrive only by car and remain in the car.

c. You should enter the grounds via the west or Foynes-end entrance.

d. There will be stewards present to give directions.

e. You should exit via the east or church-end entrance.

f. I will be wearing disposable, protective gloves.

g. The occupant(s) of each car should have a small plate or something similar.

h. You should open the window of your car at the passenger side and extend the plate, and I will place the Holy Communion (for as many as there are occupants) on the plate.

I hope that this opportunity to receive the Eucharist will go some way towards supporting and reassuring those who are presently not able to attend Mass.