But it said: “It is advised that other religious ceremonies such as Communions and Confirmations should not take place at this time.”
Public Masses have remained suspended in Ireland for months despite restrictions being lifted in neighboring countries.
Public Masses have continued in England throughout a stringent lockdown that began on Jan. 4. A landmark legal ruling led to the resumption of public Masses in Scotland on March 24. Public worship resumed in Northern Ireland on March 26.
Irish bishops expressed dismay earlier this month when the government introduced measures effectively criminalizing Mass with a congregation.
The new regulations, contained in a document known as statutory instrument 171 of 2021, currently forbid most large gatherings, with a narrow list of exceptions, including for priests celebrating Mass via live stream, as well as wedding receptions and funerals.
A statutory instrument is a form of secondary legislation allowing government ministers to legislate on day-to-day matters.