Thank you to everybody involved in the safe re-opening of the Cathedral for daily masses, namely the sacristans, stewards and ministers for their on-going commitment. Maintaining the safety of the public in these very uncertain times is a challenge whilst also creating a welcoming, peaceful, sanctuary for all to return to. It is you, the congregation that are the heart of the faith community, and it is hoped that this experience of returning to a new normal within the church continues to meet your needs despite the restrictions in place, and we are particularly mindful of bereaved families in these times.
Bóthar na Naomh Church is now open for Sunday Mass only at 9.00 a.m. every Sunday and this Mass will also be live streamed through our parish website (see below). The current regulations limit the capacity to 60 people only in Bóthar na Naomh Church which is divided into two sections. People will be guided by stewards to enter the Church through the specified door and sit only where the seats are clearly displayed by Yellow ‘X’. Stewards will continue to guide people in an orderly manner to Communion, maintaining social distancing. Eucharistic ministers and priests will distribute Communion behind screens for everybody’s safety. The Eucharist can be distributed on the hands only. Once the maximum capacity of 60 has been reached the doors will be closed (not locked), and a notice indicating full capacity will be displayed. It is hoped that the provision of this Mass in Bóthar Na Naomh Church can allow ease of access for people who have mobility concerns, and we ask others to be mindful of same. A speaker system will be available in the grounds so people are invited to socially distance outside if necessary where there will be an opportunity to receive Communion at the main door. As indicated a few weeks ago also a Radio link will shortly be installed similar to that in the Cathedral. Also, a gentle reminder that face coverings are now strongly recommended for indoor settings. The daily masses continue to be available in the Cathedral at 11.00 a.m. and 7.00 p.m.
Many thanks for your ongoing understanding and co-operation.

Thank you to everybody involved in the safe re-opening of the Cathedral for daily masses, namely the sacristans, stewards and ministers for their on-going commitment. Maintaining the safety of the public in these very uncertain times is a challenge whilst also creating a welcoming, peaceful, sanctuary for all to return to. It is you, the congregation that are the heart of the faith community, and it is hoped that this experience of returning to a new normal within the church continues to meet your needs despite the restrictions in place, and we are particularly mindful of bereaved families in these times.
We now are progressing to re-opening Bóthar na Naomh Church for Sunday Mass only, which will be at 9.00 a.m. commencing Sunday 9th August and will be live streamed through our parish website. The current regulations limit the capacity to 60 people only in Bóthar na Naomh Church which will be divided into two sections. It is hoped that the provision of this Mass in Bóthar Na Naomh Church can allow ease of access for people who have mobility concerns, and we ask others to be mindful of same. A speaker system will be available in the grounds. As indicated a few weeks ago also a Radio link will shortly be installed similar to that in the Cathedral. The daily masses continue to be available in the Cathedral at 11.00 a.m. and 7.00 p.m.
Many thanks for your ongoing understanding and co-operation.

CATHEDRAL DAILY MASSES:

Daily masses are now underway, and we warmly welcome all parishioners back. While it is a ‘new normal’, it is a great feeling for priests and parishioners, sacristans, stewards, ministers and all involved to re-connect. And we extend our gratitude to each of the sacristans in particular, who carry out their extended roles in these times, with such care and consideration for everybody entering the Cathedral.
Just a brief reminder to all:
The Cathedral of the Assumption is open to the public for two masses and these are streamed live at 11.00 a.m. and 7.00 p.m. every day, including Sunday. We encourage people to come to Mass once weekly, come during the week to avoid big numbers at the weekend. You fulfil your obligation to attend Mass in these times by attending any Mass during the week. Communion can only be distributed on the hands in line with current Covid-19 Guidelines.
The provision of the two mass times allows for the sanitisation of the Cathedral in provision of a safe environment.
The capacity of the Cathedral is now 150 people, and this is possible with certain criteria in place:
Adherence to social distancing guidelines is paramount, as is hand hygiene measures.
Clear distinct zones with not more than 50 people in each area is advised under updated protocols. There is strictly to be no movement of people between zones, before, during or after services. These zones are clearly cordoned off within the Cathedral –:
Zone A, the centre aisles of the Cathedral, will be accessed through the main middle door, and exit point is through the same door.
Zone B – The Bishops palace, Our Lady’s altar side will be accessed through the front right entrance and exit point will be the side door leading into Arch-Bishop’s Kieran’s grounds.
Zone C – the Sacred Heart altar side will be accessed through the front left entrance, and the exit point will be side door at the Sacred Heart altar, by the Ursuline buildings.
The staggered exits are to facilitate ease of movement and to avoid overcrowding outside.
We would like to remind people to sit on the X, as these are clearly marked for social distancing. It is ok for families to sit alongside each other in the pews. Also, a gentle reminder that face coverings are now strongly recommended for indoor settings.
Bóthar na Naomh church will continue to be available for private prayer and will be open from 9.00 a.m. to the extended time of 2.00 p.m. daily. The Cathedral will continue to open for private prayer, remaining open after 11.00 a.m. Mass extended now to 5.00 pm. It will reopen for 7.00 p.m. Mass. The closure at 5.00 p.m. is to facilitate sanitising of the building prior to mass. Please note that Section A, the central aisles are the allocated section for private prayer, accessed and exited through the main entrance.
Thank you to all for your continued patience and co-operation as these uncertain times continue.

As you are aware the Government has brought forward many aspects of Roadmap Covid for reopening society and business. This is scheduled to begin on Monday, June 29th and includes the reopening of our places of worship. We have been looking forward to this news with great anticipation. While we all wish to reopen our churches for the celebration of Mass as soon as possible, the Government announcement on June 25th implies we await a more specific protocol which will ensure the health and well-being of everyone entering our churches.

Initially we will be reopening the Cathedral for Mass where we will have a limited schedule of Masses. In due course we will reopen Bóthar na Naomh Church for Mass.

To this end the Parish Pastoral Council is working with the sacristans and volunteers to prepare our churches to be safe and well-ordered places for people to return to Mass with confidence in the near future. We ask for your patience while we work on this process. When we have finalised our reopening plan for the Cathedral, we will update you further. Thank you for your understanding in this regard.

As Archbishop Kieran paraphrased at the 11.00 a.m. Mass on Friday June 26 in the Cathedral, from Psalm 126 “We shall come back rejoicing, carrying the sheaves of our hearts back into the Church, back into the Community”.

The Bishops of the Munster Province believe it is time to reopen our churches in a responsible manner for a minimum time each day for private prayer.  The journey ahead is uncertain and there is still so much that must be recommenced within our churches.  A confined section of the Cathedral of the Assumption is open from 12-2pm daily.  A section of the church of St. Joseph & St. Brigid in Bóthar na Naomh is open daily from 9.00 a.m. -10.30.a.m.
While it is a very welcome and uplifting step forward, there are a number of considerations to ensure a safe environment for all involved, going forward. These are in alignment with Covid-19 HSE and HSA regulations. We ask that during your visit to Cathedral for prayer please adhere to the following:
 If present, follow the guidance of church personnel on duty, who are there to ensure your safety in these present times.
 Please avail of hand sanitisers in place for your safety. It is also recommended, if possible, to carry your own personal sanitiser.
 Please follow the directions outlined for ease of movement in and out of the Cathedral. Entry and  Exit points are clearly marked.
 Please ensure social distancing particularly when sitting/kneeling in pews. Please only sit on designated areas marked with ‘X’
 When lighting candles at the candelabra, please ensure it is one person at a time.
 Minimum touching of surfaces is advised, e.g. door handles, pews, candelabras.
 In line with Covid-19 recommendations, and in the interest of public safety, not more than 15 minutes of stay in the Cathedral is advised. This also creates ample opportunity for all to avail of time in prayer and reflection within the two hours.
 Please read and take note of any notices displayed with Covid-19 information around the church. We will keep this updated.
We welcome you back to Thurles Cathedral and invite you to take this time to enjoy the peace and ease of prayer and reflection in these uncertain times. For now, let us prepare well for this first stage so that the other stages will follow without any difficulty. Thank you for your attention and co-operation.
‘Wherever two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in their midst.’ (Mt. 18:20)

SACRAMENTS OF FIRST HOLY COMMUNION AND CONFIRMATION 2020
Archbishop Kieran has received several requests for information about the Sacraments of First Holy Communion and Confirmation. It is now certain that all the plans and preparations we have made for the reception of the Sacraments of First Holy Communion and Confirmation will not be realised.
These ceremonies are big occasions and bring many people together to celebrate with those receiving the sacrament. However, following guidelines from the government, right now it is impossible to gather large numbers of people because of the risks involved for the spread of Covid-19. We realise this is a big disappointment for many people but during these challenging times this decision is unavoidable.
To all of you preparing for these sacraments this year Archbishop Kieran would like to state that your First Holy Communion and Confirmation will happen when we receive the assurance from the government that it is safe to hold these ceremonies.
“The Lord is my light and my help. Hope in the Lord, hold firm and take heart”.
(Psalm 26)

Divine Mercy Sunday Devotions: Live Stream from Thurles Parish at 3.00 p.m. this Sunday, April 19th.

Most merciful Jesus,
I turn to You in my need.
You are worthy of my complete trust.
You are faithful in all things.
When my life is filled with confusion, give me clarity and faith.
When I am tempted to despair, fill my soul with hope. Amen.

THURLES PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL EASTER GREETING:

As we celebrate the passion and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, Thurles Parish Pastoral Council wish to take this time to send you all our heartfelt Easter Greetings and pray every blessing on you and your loved ones. We are indeed living through extraordinary times and are keenly aware of the changed reality as our usual celebration of the Easter mysteries cannot take place this year. The saying that “you don’t know what you’ve got ‘til it’s gone” has never rang so true. Our current reality has thrown light on just how much our communal celebration of our faith enriches our lives and nourishes us as people. We look forward with hope to when we can once again return to our churches and celebrate our faith together as one family in Christ.
In this difficult time we are delighted that it has been possible to stream a daily mass and the holy week ceremonies on www.thurlesparish.ie It has been such a joy each day to be able to feel part of the mass and the wider community of believers in our parish and beyond. Although we may be in isolation watching in our homes, the sense of connection with the familiar faces and voices has been uplifting each morning. We thank you all for your work in this.
Easter is a time of hope! After going through the dark and difficult days of Holy Week and Good Friday, when Jesus was left alone and isolated, the breaking open of the tomb and the joy of the resurrection changes everything. Fear and despair are replaced with joy and hope for the future. The disciples thought that all was lost and hid away in fear. All that changed when Jesus came back from the dead and gave them new hope. In that spirit of faith let us look forward to brighter days ahead, when we too will leave the darkness of these difficult times behind us and embrace each other in love once more.
We wish to extend a heartfelt gratitude to everybody working relentlessly on the frontline – our healthcare teams, ambulance and first responders, priests and all involved in pastoral care, the gardai, army and many more who are dealing first-hand with the crisis. Thank you to all our Parish and community volunteers who are reaching out and helping the most vulnerable in our society. The qualities of generosity, compassion and innovation are really to the fore.
We are very mindful of the bereaved in our community, and the palpable loss of familiar community and church support for funerals and services, which is unique to this time. Our heartfelt condolences and support are extended to you, and our gratitude to local undertakers who are compassionately supporting families.
We, the Thurles Parish Pastoral Council take this opportunity to wish you all a peaceful and hope filled Easter. May all of you and your families remain safe and well.
‘The great gift of Easter is hope – Christian hope which makes us have that confidence in God, in his ultimate triumph, and in his goodness and love, which nothing can shake.’ (Cardinal Basil Hume)

Website address

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2020-03/urbi-et-orbi-pope-coronavirus-prayer-blessing.html