Dear Editor, Prompted by the Irish Catholic 6 March front page report on Cardinal Brady's desire to see our Church reach out with compassion to the divorced, I ask why here in Ireland do we need to wait for the results of the October synod?
Although at the moment divorced and remarried Catholics are unable to receive Communion there are many practical welcoming and inclusive signs that our Irish parishes can offer. We can copy the good practice that exists elsewhere such as verbally inviting all non-communicant members of the congregation to come forward to the Lord's Table at Communion time for a blessing. Unlike the practice in many other Irish dioceses and across most of the Catholic world, here in Kerry we are told that only the priest can give such a blessing. This need not be the case. Equally those parishes, like my own, that have ceased the Sign of Peace, might see their way to resorting this much valued inclusive gesture.
In my time as principal of a joint Roman Catholic and Church of England London secondary school I always attended Eucharistic Services of both traditions. As a Catholic I always received Communion at School. Mass and received a blessing at Anglican services and was delighted at being invited to do so.
In over 30 years of service as a Eucharistic Minister in various English dioceses and schools I witnessed many thousands of non-communicants come forward with great reverence and great privacy for a blessing. I know that many of those who came for a blessing were divorced and I also know from conversation with many parents that they greatly appreciated the inclusiveness of being invited to the Altar in this way.
I pray that our Irish Church use every possible legitimate means to reach out to those who might otherwise feel excluded.
Yours etc.,
Alan Whelan,
Beaufort,
Co. Kerry.
