The ACP has also criticised statements by bishops on the return of confirmations and communions.
A group representing Catholic priests says children should no longer be prepared for communions and confirmations in schools.
The Association of Catholic Priests has also criticised recent statements by bishops announcing the return of the sacraments in their diocese, contrary to public health guidelines.
Fr. Paddy Byrne who's based in Abbeyleix in Co. Laois, says preparations for communions and confirmations should be separate kept from schools:
The pattern of celebrating first Holy Communions and confirmations has been “troubling” for many priests and people in recent years, a representative body has said https://t.co/C2VkYJ8DE5
— The Times Ireland (@thetimesIE) August 9, 2021
A parenting expert says people who aren't committed to teaching their children about communions or confirmations shouldn't be going ahead with them at all.
Priests say the current system, which sees children taught about the sacraments in school, turns special masses into 'one day wonders'.
Tom Douglas reports
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