MASSES across Donegal will be closed to the public from tonight as the country enters Level 3 of the Living With Covid restrictions.
The restrictions will be in place for three weeks – until October 16 – in a bid to curb the worrying rise in Covid-19 cases across the county.
Congregations will not be permitted at Masses, with the exception of weddings and funerals, which can have an attendance of no more than 25 people.
In a circular to his priests in Donegal, Bishop Alan McGuckin SJ has outlined what the new measures mean.
“During the lockdown, we found that many people found great solace attending Mass via webcam and Facebook,” Bishop McGuckin said
“Even though these renewed restrictions bring great frustration and discouragement it is important that we reach out to our people using all the means at our disposal.
“Let us keep one another and all the people of the Diocese and County in our prayers.”
All Baptisms, Confirmations and Holy Communions planned for the three-week Level 3 period will have to be rescheduled.
Already this week, First Communions in Stranorlar and Castlefin were brought forward and held last night.
Bishop McGuckin has confirmed that Churches will remain open for private prayer.