Taoiseach meets Church leaders to discuss Covid restrictions

The current Covid-19 restrictions, and the desire of Churchgoers to return to in-person services, were discussed at a meeting yesterday (Wednesday) between Taoiseach Micheál Martin and the leaders of the Catholic Church.

Archbishop Eamon Martin, Archbishop Diarmuid Martin, Archbishop Michael Neary, Archbishop Kieran O’Reilly SMA, and Bishop Dermot Farrell met with Mr Martin yesterday evening.

A statement released today by the Catholic Communications Office said their discussion "focused mainly on the effect which the current Covid-19 restrictions are having on the health and well-being of the faith community and the great desire to return to worship as soon as possible."

"The Archbishops emphasised that they are fully supportive of the Public Health messages but highlighted that the coming together in prayer and worship, especially for Mass and the Sacraments, is fundamental to Christian tradition and a source of nourishment for the life and well-being of whole communities.

"The importance of gathering for worship as a source of consolation and hope at Christmas time was stressed."

The statement went on to say that the Archbishops emphasised to the Taoiseach the mammoth effort which priests and volunteers have made at parish level to ensure gatherings in Church are as safe as possible.

The Taoiseach thanked the Archbishops for their support and acknowledged the role that Religious leaders have in supporting people and giving hope at this time of stress and worry - reaching out to those who may feel isolated or marginalised.

Mr Martin outlined the reasoning behind the Government’s plan for living with Covid-19 and the need to strike the right balance between all forms of social and economic activity and public health.

The Archbishops emphasised the need to protect the most vulnerable in society at this time, and also acknowledged the positive value of keeping schools open, especially for those who may otherwise be educationally disadvantaged by not having access to technology or the daily support of their teachers.

"The need for a shared understanding of the effects of the pandemic as it evolves and to align our response accordingly was recognised," said the Catholic Communications Office.

"All agreed the importance of ongoing constructive engagement and solidarity in facing and overcoming the challenges of Covid-19 together," the statement concluded.