Children who receive sacraments not attending Mass is ‘troubling’, priests say

The pattern of celebrating both First Communion and Confirmation has been “troubling” for many priests and people in recent years, the Association of Catholic Priests (ACP) has said.

In a statement on Sunday, the association said children are presented for both sacraments “even though many of them rarely, if ever, attend any celebrations of the Eucharist, either before or after the big day”.

It said the current model whereby the bulk of preparation for First Communion and Confirmation takes place in school, in partnership with parents and parish, “is no longer fit for purpose”.

“This way of doing things has to change. It is the role of the family and parish to nurture faith and introduce children to the sacraments,” the ACP said.

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The Government’s current Covid-19 guidelines advise that religious ceremonies such as First Holy Communions and Confirmations “should not take place at this time”.

The Government said on Friday it “hopes to see those restrictions lifted in September”, subject to the public health situation at the time.

A number of Catholic bishops have already given the go-ahead for Communions and Confirmations to take place in their dioceses later this month in defiance of the guidelines.

Archbishop of Dublin Dermot Farrell said on Saturday that his advice to parishes is to postpone the celebration of First Holy Communions and Confirmations until next month.

Opportunity

The association said recent disagreement between the Government and some Catholic bishops offers an opportunity “to reflect on a number of issues that are pertinent to both Church and State”.

“Some bishops expressed disappointment that they were not consulted by the politicians,” it said.

“This could prove useful in providing the bishops with the experience of powerlessness and, from it, they may gain a better understanding of what it is like for certain groups within a church that teaches that we are all equal by virtue of our Baptism.

“Women, gay people and those in second relationships could tell bishops a lot about being powerless when it comes to Church teaching and practice.”

The ACP also said that it is not aware of any discussion taking place with priests or pastoral councils by those bishops, who stated that they were allowing parish celebrations of First Communions and Confirmations in contradiction of the guidelines.

"Such lack of consultation is a far cry from the approach to decision-making envisioned in the synodal church promoted by Pope Francis, and being launched here in Ireland this year," it added.