A Catholic Bishop has appealed to the members of various sporting organisations to assist with stewarding at Christmas masses to implement Covid-19 guidelines.

Bishop of Cloyne Dr William Crean said that priests and parish pastoral councils across the diocese, which has a population of approximately 160,000, would be hugely appreciative to anyone who does offer to act as a steward so that people can gather safely for prayer at this difficult time.

Separately, in a letter to priests, he noted that while some parishes may limit their celebrations for Christmas day to online broadcast, “most parishes will be offering extra Masses to facilitate as many people who wish to gather to celebrate the gift to the world of the Christ Child”.