A WATERFORD priest said they "greatly regret" any inconvenience caused to local families by changes to date for First Holy Communions and Confirmations.
Fr Liam Power who is PP of St Joseph and Benildus parish in the city, said he'd appeal to parents to make allowances for the fact that we are in a pandemic and the church is doing its best to keep everyone safe.
In recent days, a number of Waterford city and county schools have informed parents that they have had to change dates for ceremonies that were planned before July 5.
This is because the Government last week confirmed this as the date from which First Holy Communion and Confirmation ceremonies can go ahead under public health guidelines.
The move, however, has angered some Waterford parents who point to a press release from Government issue on May 28 which - at that stage - mentioned a date of provisional date of from July 5 for such ceremonies.
In response to a request from WLR, Bishop of Waterford Alphonsus Cullinan issued a statement yesterday evening (Wednesday) saying they had provisionally allowed First Holy Communions and Confirmations to take place from July 1st subject to public health guidelines.
He said parishes can now arrange for the celebration to take place from the 5th of July onward.
The diocese, he said, "fully understands that this can cause inconvenience for families, teachers and priests", and he asked for "patience and understanding as the situation is constantly developing".
On this morning's Deise Today, Fr Liam Power also said there was regret over the inconvenience caused to families - but said the feedback received had indicated most parents were understanding of the changed situation.
"We (knew we) couldn't have (the ceremonies) in May, June but could in July so we understood that was from the beginning of July," he said. "So we went ahead and it's only come to light now it's the 5th," he told presenter Damien Tiernan.
Fr Liam Power said the "absolute priority" was to keep everyone safe. It was a developing situation and things could still change if there was a spike in Covid cases and more outbreaks.
The ceremonies, when they will take place, would fully comply with regulations with minimal numbers in churches, everyone wearing masks etc.
Fr Liam said the diocese was also appealing people not to have huge gatherings in their homes or elsewhere after ceremonies.
"We have to comply with what the Government and NPHET are asking of us at this time to ensure we can continue to go towards the lifting of restrictions, and not to jeoparise in any way, the return to normality," he said.
You can listen back to Fr Liam Power on Deise Today by clicking below here...
