The Irish Catholic bishops have appealed to community leaders to avoid "organizing events that clash with Sunday morning religious services." During their March meeting in Maynooth, the Irish bishops released a statement noting that the traditional respect for the Sabbath has eroded.
The result, they observed, has been particularly detrimental to the religious lives and even the physical welfare of young people.
In the past, the bishops' statement noted, there was a consensus "whereby sporting and leisure activities for young people on Sundays did not begin until early afternoon."
That consensus has disappeared, they remarked, and young people are under pressure to participate in scheduled games, practices, and training sessions on Sunday.
Although it is possible to fulfill the Sunday Mass obligation by attending a vigil Mass on Saturday, the bishops note that young people also have heavy Saturday schedules.
So while the vigil Mass is an option, they say, "It would be unreasonable for organisers or coaches to presume on this as a solution."
The bishops call upon athletic coaches and organizers of other youth activities-- whom they recognize as "persons of generosity and goodwill"-- to leave Sunday mornings open for religious services.
They make the same appeal to employers, especially the employers of young people, to preserve time for religious obligations.
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