IPPN

Published: 23 March 2005

The issue of whether schools should remain open or closed on Catholic Church Holy Days has been clarified in a letter issued by Bishop Leo O'Reilly, Chairman of the Irish Bishops' Commission for Education received yesterday. IPPN met with the Bishops' Commission for Education in September 2004 at which this issue amongst others was discussed. Please bring this letter to the attention of the BoM, staff and Parents' Association of your school. The full text of this letter follows below.

Is mise le meas,

Seán Cottrell, Director
Irish Primary Principals' Network.

The Irish Episcopal Conference

16th March 2005

Mr Sean Cottrell
Director
Irish Primary Principals' Network
Glounthaune
Cork

Dear Sean

Re: Holy Days of Obligation

The Episcopal Conference at its recent meeting sought to clarify the relationship between the ethos of Catholic Schools in Ireland today and the observance of Holy Days of Obligation.

Holy Days of Obligation, which are days of special worship and celebration, are a valuable expression of the Ethos of a Catholic School.

It is therefore desirable that all Catholic Schools observe, as far as possible, the Holy Days of Obligation as they are entitled to do in accordance with the agreement reached with the education partners in March 2004.

Having consulted with the management Bodies of Catholic Primary and Post Primary schools, and the Religious Trustees, and in view of the variety of conditions which may affect schools in different areas and circumstances, the Bishops' Conference has decided that the ultimate decision about whether or not a school will remain closed on church Holy Days be made at Board of Management level in consultation with the Trustees/Patron of the School.This decision should also be made in consultation with other Boards of Management in the area.

Should a Catholic school decide to open for the instruction of pupils on Church Holy Days we encourage the school community to attend Mass within the school day where feasible. The opportunity should be availed of to provide good Catechesis for preparation and celebration of the feast. The National Catechetical Office will ensure the preparation of age appropriate materials for parish and school communities.

With kind regards,

Yours sincerely,

_____________
Leo O'Reilly
Bishop of Kilmore
Chairman, Irish Bishops Commission for Education.