The Sacrament of Baptism is continuing in every diocese in the Republic except for the Archdiocese of Dublin, The Irish Catholic has found.
Baptisms are continuing on a smaller scale in every diocese around the Republic, and in the North, while they remain prohibited alongside First Communion and Confirmation in Dublin archdiocese.
However, a baptism may be administered in “exceptional circumstances” or “in danger of death”, such as in the case of a critical illness, a spokesperson for the diocese told this paper.
“Archbishop Farrell is very aware of the situation of families in the archdiocese who eagerly anticipate the celebration of the sacraments of Baptism, First Holy Communion and Confirmation,” a response received by this paper reads.
“The archbishop has emphasised that it is important that these joyful occasions are celebrated with full regard to the continuing threat posed by circulation of the virus and in full compliance with public health requirements.”
The statement said that the public health advice is that “ceremonies such as these” should not take place at the time of resumption of public worship.
“Mindful that parishes and families alike will wish to prioritise public safety, the archbishop has requested that celebrations of the sacraments may not take place, and that dates for celebrations should not be proposed until parishes are notified that it is appropriate to do so.”
This is despite the fact that baptisms continue to take place on a smaller scale in the dioceses around the country, as well as in the North. A number of priests told this paper of the baptisms they’ve been performing in recent months, with only immediate family present.
“Archbishop Farrell envisages that ongoing engagement with public authorities will enable the position to be reviewed in due course. It is Archbishop Farrell’s strong hope that there will be a total return to the public celebration of all of the Sacraments at the earliest possible date,” the statement concluded.