Covid–19 Resources
These resources are intended to assist clergy and parishes during the time of Covid–19.
HPSC Guidance for Places of Worship
Guidance from the HPSC – updated 21 June 2021
Return to In–Church Worship
The United Dioceses of Dublin & Glendalough have published diocesan guidelines for the reopening of churches for public worship as restrictions imposed to prevent the spread of Covid–19 are eased. They are available to download here.
Online Worship Opportunities in Dublin & Glendalough
While public worship is suspended in parish churches during the Covid–19 crisis many parishes are offering worship online. A full directory of these services is available to view here.
Funeral and Bereavement Resources for Exceptional Times
With restrictions on gatherings imposed to curb the spread of coronavirus Covid–19, this resource aims to provide information to clergy who may need to conduct a funeral. The information below is based on Government advice issued on April 7 2020 and we will endeavour to ensure that it is maintained in line with guidelines as they develop. As this is an evolving situation, please check also with the Government website www.gov.ie
A shortened form of Funeral Service has been commended for use by the Archbishop in these United Dioceses for the duration of this emergency. All of the bishops of the Church of Ireland recommend that for the present and for the foreseeable future funeral services which involve an interment begin and end at the graveside. For cremation it is important that clergy involved work the matter through with family and undertakers.
A shortened form of the Funeral Service for use at this time is available here.
Act of Remembrance and Thanksgiving at Home
Funeral Services
The Government’s objective is to ensure that families are able to bury their loved ones in a respectful manner while ensuring that all involved – mourners, funeral directors, the religious and others who officiate at services and other workers – are protected from Covid–19.
The Government has produced a Guide for the Bereaved during the Covid–19 Pandemic. This guide is concerned with the period from the time a death occurs up to the burial or cremation. It is intended to provide clear advice as to what bereaved families might expect as they make funeral arrangements. In particular, it outlines the changes that have become necessary to what are often fundamental and time honoured rituals and processes associated with marking the passing of a loved one during the COVID–19 pandemic. You can download that guide here.
The Health Service Executive has published guidance to funeral directors on April 1. It is available here.
Currently, immediate family members – which in general should not exceed 10 people – can still attend funeral services, burials and cremations, provided that social distancing rules are respected. Numbers may be further restricted in enclosed spaces. Details of those who should attend are included in the Government’s Guide for the Bereaved.
Please check for updates on this advice.
Assisting with Bereavement
The Irish Hospice Foundation has put together a number of resources to enable people to assist those who are bereaved at this exceptional time of the pandemic.
https://hospicefoundation.ie/bereavement-2-2/covid19-care-and-inform/
RESOURCES:
Helping Children Grieve During COVID–19 Restrictions
Planning a Funeral in Exceptional Times