BAPTISMS, First Communions and Confirmations have been deferred in parishes across the Mid West in line with Covid-19 guidance from government and public health officials.
The region has experienced one of the highest rates of Covid in the country, particularly in Limerick, where a local lockdown was mooted last month after daily cases surged.
However, according to latest provisional data from the Department of Public Health Mid West, cases in Limerick have been “significantly reducing” over the two weeks.
While the 14-day cumulative incidence rate per 100,000 population declined significantly from 435 on June 4 to 162.6 on June 30, it remains considerably higher than the national average of 100.8.
A spokesman for Public Health Mid West said that there have been 1,750 cases in Limerick since May 21, and while the decline in cases is welcome an incidence rate of 162.6 is too high for people to relax or let their guard down.
Catholic Church leaders in the region have asked their parishes to defer all religious ceremonies following an intervention from the Taoiseach.
Bishop of Limerick Brendan Leahy asked parishes to defer religious ceremonies until further notice.
“No ceremonies should be rescheduled until public health advice allows”.
He said that this was not anticipated a number of weeks ago when the church was requested to defer ceremonies until after the anticipated lifting of restrictions on July 5.
“However, given that the Taoiseach’s request, based on public health advice, it is clear that there is really no choice but to take this on board”.
In a letter addressed to parents, children, teachers and priests, Bishop Leahy said he deeply regretted that “we are in this position again of having to defer these special celebrations that you all had committed to and were so looking forward to.
“Your preparations still stand. However, I appreciate this is a huge disappointment to all concerned and I would dearly wish if circumstances were different.
“We should not ignore warnings given about the substantial threat from the Delta variant, if anything, this latest Covid-19 setback is reminding us all again of our vulnerability,” he added.
