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Sacramental Registration
*** Please Note - Registration is only for Children in the Diocese of Limerick ***
Click here to register your child to receive Confirmation or First Holy Communion this year >>

Dear Parents,

The past number of weeks has seen a huge change in our lives. We have had to make many adjustments and sacrifices to help stem the spread of Covid 19. I know that this has not been easy.

I am very much aware that children have been disappointed when Confirmation and First Communion ceremonies were postponed as a consequence of the current regulations. No doubt you were too. I know that many of you have been preparing and looking forward to your child receiving Confirmation or First Communion for some time and had plans made to celebrate these momentous occasions in the life of your child and family.

Regrettably, we are not yet in a position to reschedule these ceremonies as gatherings in large numbers are still restricted. When restrictions finally ease to a point where public ceremonies in churches become a possibility, and we have clear guidelines around such gatherings, we will be begin the process of rescheduling. Most likely the ceremonies will take place in the Autumn and the celebration of the ceremonies may be different from what you expect e.g. the numbers allowed into churches may be restricted, sacraments may have to be offered in parishes over a number of days, people may have to wear masks etc. We will at all times adhere to government regulations to ensure as far as possible the health of all involved.

Schools traditionally have played a key role in the scheduling of, and preparation of children for, the celebration of the sacraments. I am very grateful to all the teachers who have done tremendous work in this regard. But now circumstances demand we do things a little differently. Hopefully the new experience will be no less sacred or special for your child.

To assist parishes with the rescheduling of ceremonies I am asking parents of children who are eligible to receive Confirmation and First Communion in 2020 to register their child with the Diocese for the appropriate sacrament by Friday June 12th 2020. You can do this online by visiting www.limerickdiocese.org. I would encourage you to do this online, but if for some reason this is not possible you can supply the relevant details to the Diocesan office (061 350000) on the 8/9th/10th of June between 10am and 2pm.

In circumstances where two or more children from the same family are eligible and wish to receive the sacraments, I ask that you complete a separate Registration Form for each child.

The information supplied to us will then be distributed to the relevant parishes who will make plans to ensure that your child receives his/her Confirmation/First Communion following the easing of restrictions. Your chosen parish will make contact with information re. preparation and suitable dates for the celebration of the sacraments. This may happen when schools are closed for the holidays or in terms of Confirmation, when your child has moved on the secondary school. Hence registration and providing contact details is essential to ensure no one misses out.

Please be assured that ensuring your child receives his/her Confirmation or First Communion in a sacred, meaningful and safe way is a priority for us.

Keeping you in my thought and prayers


✠ Brendan Leahy
Bishop of Limerick

Click here to register your child to receive Confirmation or First Holy Communion this year >>