Masses postponed in rural area of County Waterford
Bishop Cullinan wrote a letter to parishioners
Masses in a rural area of County Waterford have been postponed, with alternative arrangements made, as a result of the local priest being ill.
In a letter to parishioners in the Portlaw and Ballyduff areas of the county, Bishop of Waterford and Lismore, Alphonsus Cullinan, informed worshippers of alternative arrangements.
'As you know, Fr Francis Xavier is ill and is going to be out of action until after Christmas,' noted Bishop Cullinan in his letter.
'We are all very concerned about him and please God he will make a full recovery,' he added.
Parishioners were informed that in the iterim 'a whole team of priests' will ensure the clergy can give the best possible spiritual care to people in the area in Fr Francis' absence.
However, Bishop Cullinan said a weekend Mass will have to be dropped during this time.
He also informed parishioners there will no weekday Masses and he encouraged daily Mass goers to attend Masses in surrounding parishes.
'Any funerals will be arranged on a day to day basis and your local undertaker will know which priest to contact,' noted Bishop Cullinan in his letter.
'Our new Deacon will be available for the celebration of Baptisms,' he added.
Parishioners were asked to note that from Friday, November 29, the weekend Mass arrangements are as follows: 6pm Vigil in St Patrick's Church, Portlaw and 10am Mass on Sunday in St Nicholas' Church, Ballyduff.
'I wish to thank you for your understanding and for your concern for Fr Francis, which has been clearly expressed,' wrote Bishop Cullinan in his letter.
He also expressed gratitude to the members of the clergy who will be providing spiritual support for parishioners during Fr Francis' absence including: Hospital Chaplains, Fr Russell and Fr Sebastian, Fr Brian Power, Fr Enright, Fr Paul Waldron and new Deacon, Brian Hoffman.
Bishop Cullinan praised the aforementioned clergy members for their 'willingness to assist'.
'They will ensure that you will be spiritually well looked after as possible, especially as we approach Advent and the Holy Season of Christmas,' noted Bishop Cullinan.
