Five bishops have now told their parishes they can resume communions and confirmations, despite government advice.
The Bishop of Raphoe is the latest church leader to defy the guidelines on holding the sacraments in his diocese.
Bishop Alan McGuckian told his priests it was essential they maintain the highest standards of sanitisation and social distancing at the ceremonies.
He joins bishops in Elphin, Clogher, Meath, and Waterford and Lismore in giving the go-ahead for the services.
Fr Iggy O’Donovan, a member of the Augustinian Order, says it’s too soon:
