Many changes for mass-goers when churches re-open

Mass-goers will experience a vastly changed devotional experience when churches reopen in July.

That's according to Fr. Brendan Hoban, a retired pastor in Killala Diocese and a founder member of the Association of Catholic Priests (ACP).

On the latest edition of the ‘Faith Alive’ programme, which he co-hosts with Monica Morley on Midwest Radio, he raised the possibility of priests having to wear masks and Ministers of the Eucharist having to don protective visors at public Masses due to concerns over Covid-19.

He explained it was not clear from the draft proposals on re-opening whether priests, readers and lay ministers, will be obliged to wear masks.

He mused: “Can priests be heard if wearing masks? Will sermons be shorter if masks are being worn?”

Mass will have “a totally different feel” under the new arrangements, Fr. Hoban said, with congregations reduced to 20 per cent of their normal size due to social distancing measures.

Admission to Masses will be on a first-come, first served basis with those who do get in having to sit in marked spaces.

He went on to say there will be no receiving of Holy Communion on the tongue or from a chalice and the traditional sign of peace handshake will be discontinued, probably forever.

Fr. Hoban warned: “A lot of work needs to be done by parishes before churches re-open on July 20.

“Unless the requirements are properly done churches won’t be allowed to stay open.

“Parishes will have to get their act together as regards organising and training stewards and church cleaning personnel.

"This is a huge challenge. Priests cannot and should not attempt to do it on their own."