Ireland's Drunk-Driving Proposals Create Problem For Catholic Churches

BBC News reported yesterday that Catholic priests in Ireland are facing an unusual problem as authorities--concerned about drunk driving-- are considering reducing the allowable blood alcohol limit for drivers to zero. The shortage of priests in Ireland means that some priests are required to recite two or three masses, at different locations, on the same day. Drinking consecrated wine is part of the ceremony. Priests who do so and then drive to their next mass would be violating the zero-alcohol requirement. Well-known Irish priest Father Brian D'Arcy says that the Vatican has ruled out using non-alcoholic wine at mass.