Letter to Parents regarding the Celebration of The Sacraments of First Holy Communion and Confirmation in the Parish of Glenmore.

6th May 2021.

Dear Parents,

I am aware that in these difficult days many families are anxiously awaiting dates for the celebration of the Sacraments of First Holy Communion and Confirmation. Even though the churches will re open for public worship on Monday 10th May we still have not been given the go ahead to hold parish celebrations at this time.

Therefore a decision has been taken to celebrate First Holy Communion in the Autumn of 2021 and a date will be provided at later stage.

With regard to the celebration of Confirmation a decision has been taken to celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation for the current 5th class later in the year or early 2022.

Once further clarification has been received and when we are permitted to hold parish celebrations like Confirmation, the current 6^th class Confirmation candidates will be accommodated first and a date will follow when we are in a position to do so. We would hope to have further clarity over the coming weeks when the living with Covid guidelines are updated once again by the government.

I would like to this opportunity to thank the teachers in our parish schools for their great work in continuing to support and work with the children in preparation for when the Sacraments of First Holy Communion and Confirmation can be celebrated in our parish safely. I would also like to thank you, the parents who continue this great work at home and who continue to support children during a year when they have suffered disruption through school closures and separation from friends. I am very grateful for your patience at this time I know it is very frustrating and difficult on you all.

However for now we must do our best not facilitate the spread of Covid.

With every good wish.

Fr. Tom

Public worship will resume in The Church of St. James Glenmore on Monday 10th of May and we are delighted to be able to welcome you all back. Please note the following -

• In Glenmore Church the maximum allowed in the church will be 50 and once this number has been reached we will be not be in a position to allow further entry to the church. While we understand this will be difficult we would ask you to have patience with the ushers and to follow their instructions.
• Please use the hand sanitiser provided when entering the church and entery will be through the main door where an usher will guide you to your seat.
• Exit will be on pew by pew basis and will be via the side doors where hand sanitiser will be available for your use. Please be mindful of social distancing outside the church after mass.
• We would asks people to come for Holy Communion pew by pew, in singe file and to adhere to the 2m social distancing markings on the floor.
• Collection Boxes will be available at the door for you to make your offerings.
• Currently the obligation to attend Sunday Mass if lifted so if you feel more comfortable to attend a weekday mass please do so.
• The church as has always' been the case through out this pandemic  will sanitised after each mass and during the day when the church will be open for private prayer.
• All masses will continue to be live streamed and will be available on the radio handset also.