Statement by Bishop Tom Deenihan, Bishop of Meath
on the cancellation of First Holy Communion
and Confirmation ceremonies.

As you will be aware, Government has, once again, decreed that the celebration of the Sacraments of
Confirmation and First Holy Communion should not proceed at this time. The decision was,
according to the Tanaiste, based on the recommendation of NPHET. However, today’s newspapers
report that Dr. Tony Houlihan informed members of Dail Eireann yesterday that he never requested
that Confirmations and First Holy Communions be postponed. That has added to the sense of
confusion and anger amongst callers to the Diocesan Office.
This decision by Government is a source of much disappointment to the young people who have
been preparing for and looking forward to the various ceremonies. It is a source of disappointment
to their parents, teachers and clergy too who have been involved in preparing them for an important
moment in their faith. The proximity of the cancellation to the actual ceremony, which was based on
previous Government advice, means that parents have days off planned and other expenses have
been incurred.
It is of some surprise that while Government officials have indicated that churches are safe, their
concern is what happens afterwards in relation to domestic and other settings. I am confident that, at
this juncture, parents know what is safe, will not want to put their families at risk and should be
trusted in relation to what happens in their own home.
The Church is in a difficult position in this regard. While there is a temptation to ignore Government
on religious worship and the celebration of the sacraments, and many have encouraged such a course
of action, that would cause concern to some parents too and would politicise the Sacraments,
something which, I believe, should be avoided at all costs.
Once again, despite having a schedule devised for Confirmation in the Diocese starting next week, I
find myself in the troubling and regrettable position of having to cancel.
This is a political decision that was made without consultation with Church authorities. I remain
troubled that any Government or Government minister can cancel the celebration of religious
worship or the Sacraments while, crucially, saying at the same time that what happens within a
church is safe. This goes to the heart of freedom of worship.
All religious authorities have worked hard to ensure that whatever happens in places of worship is
safe. The parishes of this diocese, through the voluntary work of parishioners, have responded
generously, courageously and at some cost to ensure that all ceremonies are conducted in accordance
with safety measures for the protection of public health.
This is the right, necessary and prudent thing to do. It is unreasonable to ban Sacraments for
everyone on the basis of what might happen in some cases afterwards. Such measures have not been
applied across any other sector of society. Other places have either been closed or can open based on
what happens within those places. The Church seeks no more and no less.
Many people have been contacting this office and the various parishes expressing concern and
seeking information. In the light of Dr. Houlihan’s clarification, I would suggest that such calls are
directed towards the politicians who made this decision. In the meantime, be assured that the
important Sacraments of First Holy Communion and Confirmation will be celebrated as soon as
possible in the Diocese. The celebration of Baptism will proceed in this diocese subject to the
pastoral judgement of the local clergy, minimum numbers and public health precautions.