A west Belfast priest has resumed hearing confessions from parishioners - while observing social distancing rules.
Fr Paddy McCafferty stressed that Corpus Christi Church in Ballymurphy "remains closed" in accordance with Stormont guidelines aimed at preventing the spread of Covid-19.
However, he has started to hear confessions at his parochial house in strictly controlled circumstances.
He was speaking as:
:: Taoiseach Leo Varadkar extended lockdown restrictions in the Republic but eased a 2km limit for exercise and said older people could go outdoors alone from next week.
:: The north's Department of Health announced a further 18 Covid-linked deaths, bringing its total to 365. However, a breakdown based on death certificates put the total at 393 by April 24.
:: Figures also showed more than half of deaths last week were in care homes.
The Stormont executive is to publish a "pathway to recovery" next week discussing how and when lockdown measures could be lifted.
Deputy first minister Michelle O'Neill said she "wants to get people back to churches as soon as possible" but people should not expect sweeping changes to restrictions.
Before Holy Week Fr McCafferty had held open-air confession with social distancing, but chose to stop as the coronavirus outbreak peaked.
Now he is "hearing by appointment".
"It is all being done from a safe distance. It may be through the window at the parochial house, some has been inside with a safe space between myself and the person coming. Where there's a will, there's a way," he said.
"On Saturday I hope to be outside again - weather permitting. The last time I was kept busy for at least an hour."
Last Sunday, Fr McCafferty also took the Blessed Sacrament around the streets of west Belfast in an open-top car.
"The church isn't open, the church remains closed. I celebrate Mass every day on my own. We have a webcam where people watch," he said.
But Fr McCafferty said he is unable to hear confession remotely.
"Some people have been asking for it to be heard on the phone or FaceTime, but you can't celebrate a sacrament without the person. You have to be present, it has to be physical," he said.
The cleric said he is confident he is acting within official guidelines, while managing to give his flock what comfort he can during their mandatory isolation.
"I do feel safe and I have to go about my ministry. I am observing all the precautions," he said.
"I am just back from doing a funeral and took all the precautions, but it is necessary that we be out among the people in some way.
"Funerals are so different from normal, they are incredibly painful because you can't even give grieving families a hug.
"It is heart-rending not to be able to do normal comforting or have the consolation brought by a wake.
"But we don't want to be creating unnecessary funerals either. We must try to contain this awful virus."
