9th May, 2021

Sixth Sunday of Easter

Parish Phone Nos. (021) 4871180.
Emergency No: 087 0956190
Monsignor Kevin O’Callaghan: (021) 7336053
Parish Centre/Sacristy: (021) 4289768
Ring for bookings: Baptisms & Marriages etc

WEEKEND MASSES
Ovens:
Vigil: 7.30pm.
Sunday: 11.30am.
Both Masses on the Webcam.
Farran:
Vigil: 6pm. Sunday: 9.30am.

WEEKDAY MASSES THIS WEEK
Ovens: Monday 7.30pm.
9.30am: Weds & Friday.
(All weekday Masses Via Webcam)
Farran:
9.30am: Tuesday & Thursday.

FARRAN WEBCAM
Unfortunately, the Farran Church Webcam won’t be installed for this week’s daily Masses or for next weekend Masses. But it will be shortly after.
It’s link will be churchservices.tv/farran
or through the Parish Website.

TRÓCAIRE COLLECTION TO DATE
The Annual Trócaire Collection for 2021 to date has amounted to €6,053. This is a truly excellent figure from our Parish and in such difficult times for so many.
Sincere thanks to those who contributed so generously and to those who counted, recorded and banked it. It has already been forwarded to Trócaire.

HOLY HOUR IN OVENS CHURCH
The Holy Hour will resume on this Tuesday, 11th May. from 8pm to 9pm.
The Rosary will be recited and then we will have time for private prayer before the Blessed Sacrament.
All Government guidelines with regard to social distancing, wearing of face coverings, hand sanitising & ventilation will be in place.
The Holy Hour will be live streamed on the Webcam.

HOLY ROSARY
The Rosary will be recited in Ovens Church on Friday mornings at 9.10am before the 9.30am Mass.

RETURN TO MASS WITH A CONGREGATION
Following the recent Government announcement Mass with a congregation is permitted as from this Monday, 10th May. It is good that we can return to Mass again even with our limited numbers.
We will need, of course, our stewards as before Christmas, when our system served us very well. Thanks for the co-operation of everyone. Our Parish Assembly and stewards are please asked to make the necessary arrangements for next week end 15th/16th May.
As previously, one may make any of the weekday Masses ones Saturday evening or Sunday Mass.

MASS ON WEBCAM
As you may be aware it is hoped to install a Webcam in Farran Church in the next few weeks, as it has been in Ovens since July last.
Hopefully, using modern technology our Webcams will keep us in touch through Mass & in prayer with our people at home & abroad & also with the housebound, or those ill at home or in hospital. This is especially important during the restrictions and when Mass is celebrated with limited numbers, but also will be when restrictions are lifted.
But it is very important that when, le cúnamh Dé, restrictions are fully lifted our Faith Community in Ovens and Farran will come together to pray the Mass at weekends in our Churches. That is so important and that those living elsewhere in our country or abroad, the housebound or unwell will be able to join with us through Webcam. This also applies in its own way to weekday Masses.
Hopefully our Webcams will also facilitate families at times of funerals and weddings and especially for those away from home.

BAPTISMS
Due to the large number waiting, Baptisms may also be arranged for weekdays, evenings or mornings after Mass in May and June.

Congratulations to all who have been blessed with the birth of a baby in the last six months.

.BISHOP FINTAN GAVIN HAS ISSUED THE FOLLOWING GUIDANCE FOR THE DIOCESE OF CORK AND ROSS ON RETURN TO MASS.
Public Worship:
All parish communities are deeply grateful to volunteer stewards and those who sanitised and maintained churches to a very high standard over the last year. In order for public worship to resume safely from Monday 10th May we will again be indebted to these volunteers and will need their help so that we will be ready for that date.
As we enter summertime and outside temperatures increase it will be possible to have much better ventilation in Churches which we now understand to be very important in stopping the spread of the virus.
In order for public worship to resume along the same lines as before 26th December last the following measures continue to apply:
2M social distancing guidelines adhered to ( members of the same household can sit close together).
Wearing of face coverings.
Where possible separate points of entrance and exit, clearly marked.
No gathering of people outside the Church before and after Mass.

Funerals:
From May 10th up to 50 mourners may attend a Funeral Mass while any related events, either before or after, should not take place.
Weddings:
From 10th May up to 50 people can attend the celebration of the Sacrament of Marriage in a Church.
Baptisms:
Arrangements can be made for the Sacrament of Baptism to be celebrated from 10th May with those immediate family members present to include parents, siblings, sponsors and grandparents. We need to emphasise that caution is needed in relation to gatherings that might take place around Baptisms as well.
Confessions:
Many people will wish to go to Confession as it may not have been possible for a long time. I ask that you continue to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation while taking account of all health measures.
Sacraments of First Holy Communion and Confirmation:
It is not possible to make arrangements for the celebration of First Holy Communion and Confirmation at this time.
Singing:
No congregational singing or choir singing permitted. Cantor and accompanist allowed, subject to compliance with guidance in HSECovid-19Guidance for Religious Services.
Outdoor Worship:
This is not permitted in line with Government restrictions on organised outdoor gatherings.
Use of Churches for any other purposes/parochial activities/community meetings:
This is not permitted in line with restrictions on organised indoor gatherings.