Wednesday, March 11, 2026

Masses will no longer be recorded under new Diocesan rules on live streaming

The Diocese of Kerry has brought in changes to its rules surrounding the streaming of Masses and other church services.

The changes were brought in because of data protection regulations, and are already in place in every parish in Kerry.

The live-streaming of Masses became common during the Covid years, when gatherings of people in churches was prohibited during various lockdowns.

Even after restrictions were lifted and congregations returned to normal, people with disabilities, the sick and the elderly still availed of the streaming services, particularly for Sunday Mass.

However, in a notice printed in Mass leaflets earlier this month, the Diocese announced that safeguards needed to be put in place, pertaining to webcams and live streaming from churches.

The biggest change is that live streaming will be switched on for parish Masses, but will not be recorded, in order to protect the privacy of people who may be in the church during the day.

Funerals will continue to be recorded, but only if the family of the deceased wish to do so.

Finally, as part of parish policy, weddings and baptisms will not be recorded, as these are regarded as family occasions.