A group representing priests has said the current model of preparing children for Communions and Confirmations, where the bulk of preparation takes place in school, “is no longer fit for purpose” and “has to change”. In a statement on Sunday, the Association of Catholic Priests (ACP), which represents over 1,000 Irish priests, criticised the recent interventions by a number of bishops indicating their willingness to defy current health guidelines and allow Confirmations and Communions to recommence in their dioceses. “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 said. Elsewhere in their statement, the ACP said the celebration of both First Communions and Confirmations has been “troubling for many priests and people” in recent years. “Households are permitted to mix, in homes and in restaurants, in ways that take account of the age and vaccination status of those present.

Source: Irish Independent August 08, 2021 17:35 UTC