Knock Shrine re-opens on June 29th 2020

We welcome you back to Knock Shrine

The following Mass times and opening hours are effective from Monday, June 29^th 2020 to Friday, July 3^rd 2020 inclusive.

We welcome you back to Knock and we are delighted to confirm that Knock Shrine will gradually re-open to the public from Monday, June 29^th, 2020.

We are very confident that the necessary measures are in place to ensure your health and safety when visiting the Shrine. Every precaution is being taken to allow our pilgrims, parishioners, staff and volunteers to come together safely for the celebration of Mass and for private prayer at our national Marian Shrine, in line with the current Government restrictions on mass gatherings.

Should Government guidelines and restrictions change in the future, further updates regarding the celebration of public Mass at Knock Shrine will be posted as soon as they become available.

Everyone who comes to Knock during this time must:

• adhere to public health guidelines as highlighted on the extensive range of signage positioned throughout the Shrine grounds and buildings
• respect guidance provided by our Security, Stewards and Volunteers
• use the available hand sanitising stations and adhere to guidelines on hand and respiratory hygiene
• keep a safe distance from others and respect the current physical distance of 2 metres
• We advise visitors to wear their own face masks or coverings when visiting our churches and other indoor facilities at the Shrine.

The Celebration of public Masses at Knock Shrine

The celebration of public Mass will resume on Monday, June 29^th, 2020 at 12 Noon, 3.00pm and 7.30pm daily, with Rosary at 7.00pm. All Masses will be celebrated in Knock Parish Church until further notice and the church will remain closed to the public at all other times due to cleaning.

In line with public health advice, Knock Shrine is currently limited to indoor gatherings of up to 50 people including clergy, staff and volunteers.  Therefore, for the time being, the numbers attending Mass will be very restricted and because of this we request your understanding and patience.

Admission will be on a ‘first come, first served’ basis and a strict queuing system will be in place prior to the commencement of Mass. Once the indoor maximum capacity has been reached, we ask that you do not continue to queue as entry to the Church will not be possible.

We kindly request that you only attend one daily Mass in this period so that we can accommodate as many parishioners and pilgrims as possible.  We thank you for your understanding and respect of others during this time.

Please note that all daily Masses will also be streamed live on our website at www.knockshrine.ie/watch-live. If you feel that you are at risk, please join us for the celebration of Mass from the safety of home.

Private Prayer at Knock Shrine

Knock Basilica will be open daily for private prayer.  It is advised that each pilgrim spends no more than 15 minutes in the Basilica for private prayer. Please note that due to current restrictions on indoor gatherings there may be limited capacity and queues for entry.

Knock Basilica will be open for private prayer from 9am to 6pm daily.

Unfortunately, due to capacity limitations, the Apparition Chapel will not be open.  Limited outdoor seating will be provided in front of the Apparition Chapel for private prayer whilst maintaining a physical distance of 2 metres. We request that you use your own hand sanitiser and wipes when using this seating.

The Sacrament of Reconciliation at Knock Shrine

Confessions will be available in the Chapel of Reconciliation from 12pm to 3pm daily. Please note that there will be limited capacity and a strict queueing system will be in place.

Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament will not take place in the Chapel at this time.

Please respect and adhere to the guidance provided by our security team, stewards and volunteers.

Other Services at Knock Shrine

The Mass Enrolment Office located opposite the Parish Church and Knock Bookshop will be open from 9am to 5pm, from Monday, June 29^th to Friday, July 3^rd inclusive. Please refer to our website for more information after this date.

Café le Chéile will open from 10am to 5pm from Monday, June 29^th to Friday, July 3^rd inclusive.

Due to the current restrictions, it will not be possible to light candles in the Churches for the moment. Candles may be lit at the outdoor candelabra, located at the entrance to the Parish Church.

Holy Water is available from the outdoor Holy Water fonts located adjacent to the Apparition Chapel. In the interest of public health and safety, the fonts at the entrances to all churches will remain empty until further notice. We request that you use hand sanitiser/wipes when accessing Holy Water at the fonts.

Public toilet facilities will be available in the main toilet block adjacent to the Papal Cross from 10am 6pm. Pilgrims must adhere to queueing systems and physical distancing rules.

The shuttle service will not be available at this time. However, wheelchairs will be available on request, if necessary, from St. John’s Rest & Care centre.

We thank you for your understanding and co-operation at this time of high demand for services and limited capacity due to current restrictions.  We look forward to seeing you all again at Knock.