Bishops across the country are cancelling masses in their diocese to comply with government advice on the coronavirus.
The Bishop of Limerick Brendan Leahy announced this morning that mass is cancelled for the next three weeks.
This follows similar measures already announced in both Meath and Galway on Thursday night - something expected to be implemented in all parts of the country soon.
Bishop Leahy said that the measure is necessary as the Church puts its shoulder behind the national effort to protect the elderly and those with underlying health conditions.
Bishop Leahy said: "I appreciate that the measures we have taken around Sunday Mass will be difficult for many people. However, it’s important to remember what the Church calls ‘spiritual communion’, that we can be united spiritually with one another wherever we are through our prayer, Christian love and keeping hope alive.
"We can be spiritually united with the Mass. Thankfully, through technology, there are options online for people to get their Mass at home. Some parishes have webcam or radio facilities.”
The Catholic Church issued the following guidelines for all parishes across Ireland: "All non-essential pastoral gatherings and meetings, such as formation gatherings, retreats and seminars are cancelled.
"All Confirmations are postponed until further notice Every Catholic is entitled to a dignified Christian burial. Attendance at Funeral services and Masses should be limited to close relatives and must not exceed 100 attendees within the Church building.
"Similarly, Church weddings and baptisms may be celebrated on condition that the attendance in Church does not exceed 100 people."
