Local parishes told to stop holding wakes in churches
The Bishop of Ardagh and Clonmacnois, has issued a letter to clergy, parishioners and undertakers stating the practice of holding wakes in a church must come to an end.
Churches across South Leitrim have been instructed to stop hosting wakes following a new directive issued by the Bishop Paul Connell.
The Bishop of Ardagh and Clonmacnois, has issued a letter to clergy, parishioners and undertakers stating the practice of holding wakes in a church must come to an end.
Bishop Paul Connell said in recent months a practice has developed in some parishes around the use of churches for the Reposing of the Remains of those who have died.
The diocese of Ardagh and Clonmacnois is spread over parts of seven counties in the centre of Ireland including almost all of Longford, half of Leitrim and parts of Westmeath, Offaly, Cavan, Roscommon and Sligo.
In Leitrim, the parishes include Aughavas, Cloone, Carrick-on-Shannon (Kiltoghert), Dromard, Drumshanbo, Fenagh, Kiltubrid, Killenummery and Killery, Mohill, Gortletteragh and Bornacoola.
A wake is a practice that usually is held in the home where family and friends gather, offer sympathy and support to the bereaved family.
However, Bishop Connell said recently the station at the home has quite often taken place in a funeral home and then from there to the church and place of committal.
He said the use of a church in a manner that “makes it like a funeral home” breaks this practice and is not faithful to tradition.
He pointed out that churches were not church halls.
For parishes where it has occurred, Bishop Connell directed that the practice be discontinued from February 9, 2026.
He also requested that the parish communities involved look at other possibilities within the area for hosting this station of the funeral rites, adding that the use of parish halls or other parish facilities is “perfectly in order.” He directed that in parishes where the practice of remains reposing in the church has not begun, that these parishes do not introduce the practice.
Bishop Connell said the direction comes as some parishes had asked for guidance on the matter.
“The churches within the diocese are not to be used for the Reposing of Remains.
“When the remains of a member of the faithful are received at the church, the appropriate liturgical text provided in the Funeral Ritual should be used.
