A Donegal priest says he trusts parents to put their child’s safety first as he proceeds with First Holy Communions tomorrow (Sunday).

Some parish priests across the county are holding First Holy Communions and Confirmations despite Government guidelines advising against such religious events.

Last week Diocese of Raphoe Bishop Alan McGuckian said Holy Communions and confirmations can resume but advised priests to stick to “strict guidelines and protocols”.

Children will receive the Sacrament of Confirmation in St Mary’s Church, Derrybeg tomorrow at 1pm.

Pupils from Scoil Adhamhnáin, an Lunniagh and Scoil Bhríde, Meenaclady will also be confirmed on Sunday in St Colmcille Church, Cnoc Fola at 1pm and 2pm.

In Creeslough, First Holy Communions will be held for pupils on Sunday.

Speaking to the Donegal News, Fr John Joe Duffy said the ceremony will be held in a safe manner.

Fr Duffy said, “We are going ahead with the Communions in a safe way.

“These children are already in school pods and will be going back into the pods in September at a time when there may be a greater viral overload in the communities.

“The bishop has given us the go ahead and we have found that trying to get information from the government is like trying to pull teeth from a hen.

“I believe the Communions are safer than other event because at a wedding you can have up to 100 guests coming from many households.

“The Government is implying that parents cannot be trusted but they are totally wrong. Parents are going to be much more responsible now and I trust them to be safe.”

Fr Duffy said he recently held First Confessions and the children were really looking forward to the day. For them it provides a “small piece of normality”.

“The children were so full of joy and are so excited about their First Holy Communion,” said Fr Duffy.

“The big thing is that parents have spent money getting their children dressed for the event and then if it is postponed, the children grow out of the outfits and it is a waste and some families just can’t afford that.

“It is great to see everything else opening up but it seems that the children have been put on the back foot. This is needed to allow children to have some normality in the safest possible way.