Return to Church
Dear Parishioner,
It is a cause of great joy for all of us that Monday, June 29th, will be the day that our beautiful Church of the Annunciation will be again opening its doors for a public Mass., now that the Corona Virus, Covid-19 seems to be in remission.
However, we will not be returning to normal, things will be very different from what we have been used to.
We share these few thoughts with you to help you prepare for and embrace the new emerging norms, at least for the time being.
- The Obligation to attend Sunday Mass has been suspended for the duration of this pandemic.
- You may wish to attend Mass on a weekday instead of Sunday.
- If you are experiencing the weight of years that time brings to us all or if you have an underlying illness of any kind, you are advised not to come to Church, (we find it very difficult to suggest this to some parishioners, particularly as we have spent large parts of our lives trying to encourage people to come to Mass).
- As we write the number of people who can be present in the Church at any one time stands at fifty (50) and that figure has to include all Church personnel. Hopefully that figure will soon increase.
- This restriction of numbers means that we need to think of others who will wish to get to Mass from time to time.
- When the specified number is reached – on a first come – first served basis – then additional parishioners will be able to listen to Mass in the Car Park on the Church Public Address System. The number inside the Church is absolute and there can be no discretion. The Church webcam will still be in use and the webcam can be found on our website rathfarnhamparish.ie
- A significant amount of hard work and preparation has gone into getting ready for the reopening of our Church. Please follow the directions of the members of the Ministry of Hospitality group / Church Stewards as your normal seat may not be available due to Social Distancing restrictions.Mass Times: This timetable will be reviewed in a months’ time.
- Mass Times: This timetable will be reviewed in a months’ time.
Monday – Friday: 10am
Saturday: 11am and 6.45pm
Sunday: 8am (Irish), 9.30am, 11am (Family Mass) and 12.30pm
Please arrive early to allow time to follow the new guidelines that are in place. Please note the change of times from our existing schedule. The longer period between each Mass is to allow for the sanitisation of the Church between Masses.
- Please use the sanitisation facilities available as you enter and exit the Church. We have new foot operated hand sanitisers. Just place your foot on the pedal at the bottom of the unit and the unit will dispense the hand sanitiser.
- Collection boxes for all collections will be available at the back of the Church and please let us express a very grateful “Thank You” to all who have been very generous during this period.
- All, or any of this, plan is subject to change or adjustment depending on the changing circumstances at the time.
- Should you require any further clarity on this unfolding situation please contact the following.
Fr. Martin Cosgrove 01-495 4554
Fr. Michael Coady 01-4932390
Parish Secretary Jason Monahan 01-4958695
Wishing you every God’s blessing.
Fr. Martin Cosgrove Fr. Michael Coady Mr. Maurice Priestley
Moderator Co-Parish Priest Chair of Parish Council