Update on the Postponement of the First Holy Communion Ceremonies

Update on Postponement of First Holy Communion Ceremonies

Dear Parents of Children preparing for First Holy Communion,

We hope you and your family are keeping well. Following the confirmation from the parish team last Monday that the First Holy Communion ceremonies have been postponed, parents, the school, the Board of Management and the parish have been engaging together on the matter.

Firstly, the postponement of ceremonies was confirmed by the parish based on the latest public health guidelines from the government, which are in turn adopted by each Diocese. The most recent guidelines in relation to Confirmation and Communion ceremonies advised to the parish, both from the government and the Diocese, that the ceremonies unfortunately could not proceed on Friday 13^th of August.

We understand and acknowledge that this is a huge disappointment to families and to the children preparing for the Sacrament, particularly with less than three weeks to the proposed date. Parents have put forth their concerns following the announcement and we greatly appreciate all who got in touch in order to progress matters. These concerns have been discussed with the school Board of Management last week and also with the parish team.

Unfortunately it is not possible for suggestions of an outdoor ceremony or child’s blessing in the place of a First Holy Communion to be organised by the church in the context of advice received to postpone ceremonies, while the good intentions of the suggestions are sincerely acknowledged.

As a school and Board of Management, we are planning an outdoor activity afternoon (for Friday 13^th of August or a later date subject to your view) in the school grounds in order offer a fun focus for the children given the disappointment of the postponement. If there is significant interest, we will proceed with the event. We will also have to take weather forecast into account. (The school building is currently inaccessible due to ongoing electrical upgrade during summer weeks.) We will be in touch with parents via Aladdin to establish interest levels and we will plan accordingly.

There have been a number of news stories in the last three days in relation to the sacraments of Communion and Confirmation whereby both the Taoiseach Mr. Micheál Martin and Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly have publicly asked the various Dioceses to follow the current public health advice. With the vaccination roll-out continuing very successfully, we would be very hopeful for an update on when our First Holy Communion Ceremonies can take place in the near future.

We will be in touch with regard to the proposed children’s activity day. We thank you sincerely for your ongoing engagement.

Yours faithfully,

Jane O’Connell

Principal