WHILE Requiem Masses are continuing to be held in the Derry, not all dioceses are following the same funeral guidelines.
In Down and Connor restrictions have been placed on all funeral Masses with the dead taken directly to the cemetery for burial.
The sprawling diocese takes in a large part of counties Antrim and Down including areas of high population such as Belfast.
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It is understood that in the absence of church-based services some priests have said prayers outside the homes of the deceased.
Prayers, guidance and support are also offered by phone.
Masses where the deceased are remembered have also been said by priests in private on the morning of burial.
A spokesman for Clogher Diocese, which covers both sides of the border including parts of Monaghan, Fermanagh, Tyrone and Donegal, confirmed that funeral Masses are not currently being celebrated.
The body of the deceased is taken to a cemetery for burial, where the prayers of committal are prayed in the presence of those attending.
“The purpose of this is to take account of public health and the safety of all,” the spokesman said.
“Also, over 50 per cent of our priests are either over 70 years of age or have health conditions that would put them at risk."
A priest may celebrate a Mass for the deceased either privately or online prior to the burial.
Asked to clarify the rules on attending Requiem Mass in the Archdiocese of Armagh, which is also cross border, and the diocese of Dromore, a spokesman said both are “following the guidance issued by governments north and south - that funeral services can continue, albeit for immediate family only and subject to best practice social distancing requirements.
“This guidance is reviewed on a daily basis," he said.
He added that providing Requiem Mass is “subject to available clergy”.
As well as overseeing the Archdiocese of Armagh, Archbishop Eamon Martin is also the administrator in Dromore.
