Churchgoers may have to make online bookings to attend Mass and could be encouraged to wear face coverings when places of worship reopen at the end of the month.
Under new guidelines published in a framework document, priests and parishes across Ireland are being asked to make a number of changes to prepare for reopening.
Among the measures, priests are being asked to set up a Covid-19 support team of parishioners to organise preparations and to oversee changes made in the church.
Parishes have also been told to secure an appropriate supply of signs, cleaning and sanitising materials, and accessories necessary for protection. Priests are being asked to indicate the number of people that can attend their church and how that will be communicated to