UPDATE 25 March 2021

Mass and other Liturgies Social distancing should be maintained at all times, an appropriate cleaning regime should be in place (especially for items which are touched), and masks should be worn except when carrying out a function renders this impossible (such as proclaiming a Reading).

Baptisms should be a limited in each church for those attending an individual Baptism, in recognition that such groups are usually extended families and friends, who are connected but not in the one household or bubble. 

Baptisms are limited to attendance by the immediate family.  By ‘immediate family’ we mean the parents, godparents and siblings of a minor who is being baptised.  If an adult is being baptised or received into the church, this may be attended by a spouse, their children and godparents. Where it is unavoidable that there are multiple Baptisms at the one time, the total of people present in the church, including clergy etc, should not exceed 25, the family groups should not mix inside or outside the church and should be four metres apart from each other. 

First Communion is to be deferred until September 2021.

Statement from Bishop Donal McKeown on the celebration of First Communion and Confirmation in the Diocese of Derry.

"I have no doubt that parishes, with their extensive COVID safety teams, stewards and sanitising policies and procedures are safe places for the celebration of First Communion and Confirmation.  However, I am concerned about the parties and other socialising which, although completely disconnected from the celebration of the sacraments and the environs of the church, can and often do occur.  It must also be recognised that such parties and socialising are a matter for the civil authorities and, indeed, are currently banned under civil COVID regulations; it is for the civil authorities to enforce civil laws.
 
Having said that, I think that, as church, we should go the extra step to assist in protecting public health, by avoiding those situations which might with some regularity lead people to organise parties.  Therefore, I have taken the difficult decision, after some consultation, that the celebrations of First Communion are to be deferred until September 2021.  I do not take this decision lightly, but I am conscious that we must do everything we can to ensure that life is protected in the midst of this pandemic, noting that there has been some upturn in case numbers locally in recent days.  I would ask you to let schools and parents of children know as soon as possible.
 
As regards the celebration of Confirmation, it is acceptable for parishes to make provisional arrangements for these in the month of June. However, I will review the situation in the middle of May.
 
Return to any form of normality for church and society will be slow and, in order to hold the progress that we have made towards normal practice of faith, patience will be needed in relation to the pace of such change."
 + Donal

Marriages are limited to 25 people. This number includes children under 12 and the celebrant.  A risk assessment for over 15 people is required.  Face masks must be worn by all other than those party to the marriage.  Receptions or post ceremony gatherings are not permitted.  These requirements arise from the Northern Ireland Executive.

Funerals are limited to 25 people.  Pre- and post-funeral gatherings are not permitted.  Wakes are not to be held and Funeral Services in private homes are not to take place.  Existing restrictions on households apply.  A person responsible for organising or operating a funeral or associated event elsewhere must comply with guidance on managing funerals and associated gatherings issued by the Department of Health. Any mourner displaying symptoms of COVID-19 should not attend a funeral, as they pose a risk to others.

Drive-in Services may take place, where appropriate, in accordance with current government regulations and guidance.

UPDATE 25 March 2021

Mass and other Liturgies (apart from those specified below) should take place without the physical presence of the faithful.  However, those who would normally exercise ministries / functions necessary for the celebration – for example, Readers, Cantor, Organist, sacristan may be present.  Social distancing should be maintained at all times, an appropriate cleaning regime should be in place (especially for items which are touched), and masks should be worn except when carrying out a function renders this impossible (such as proclaiming a Reading).

Baptisms should be a limited in each church for those attending an individual Baptism, in recognition that such groups are usually extended families and friends, who are connected but not in the one household or bubble. 

Baptisms are limited to attendance by the immediate family.  By ‘immediate family’ we mean the parents, godparents and siblings of a minor who is being baptised.  If an adult is being baptised or received into the church, this may be attended by a spouse, their children and godparents. Where it is unavoidable that there are multiple Baptisms at the one time, the total of people present in the church, including clergy etc, should not exceed 25, the family groups should not mix inside or outside the church and should be four metres apart from each other. 

Statement from Bishop Donal McKeown on the celebration of First Communion and Confirmation in the Diocese of Derry.

"I have no doubt that parishes, with their extensive COVID safety teams, stewards and sanitising policies and procedures are safe places for the celebration of First Communion and Confirmation.  However, I am concerned about the parties and other socialising which, although completely disconnected from the celebration of the sacraments and the environs of the church, can and often do occur.  It must also be recognised that such parties and socialising are a matter for the civil authorities and, indeed, are currently banned under civil COVID regulations; it is for the civil authorities to enforce civil laws.
 
Having said that, I think that, as church, we should go the extra step to assist in protecting public health, by avoiding those situations which might with some regularity lead people to organise parties.  Therefore, I have taken the difficult decision, after some consultation, that the celebrations of First Communion are to be deferred until September 2021.  I do not take this decision lightly, but I am conscious that we must do everything we can to ensure that life is protected in the midst of this pandemic, noting that there has been some upturn in case numbers locally in recent days.  I would ask you to let schools and parents of children know as soon as possible.
 
As regards the celebration of Confirmation, it is acceptable for parishes to make provisional arrangements for these in the month of June. However, I will review the situation in the middle of May.
 
Return to any form of normality for church and society will be slow and, in order to hold the progress that we have made towards normal practice of faith, patience will be needed in relation to the pace of such change."
 + Donal

Marriages are limited to 6 people. Face masks must be worn by all other than those party to the marriage.  Receptions or post ceremony gatherings are not permitted.

Funerals are limited to 10 people.  Pre- and post-funeral gatherings are not permitted.  Wakes are not to be held and Funeral Services in private homes are not to take place.  Existing restrictions on households apply.  A person responsible for organising or operating a funeral or associated event elsewhere must comply with guidance on managing funerals and associated gatherings issued by the Department of Health. Any mourner displaying symptoms of COVID-19 should not attend a funeral, as they pose a risk to others.