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 ban 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.
"For the sake of a few weeks I think it would be pity if we were to be seen to compromise or back down or change tack at the last moment.
"It's not worth the risk.
"I think if we saw it out, and with vaccination going the way it is and more young people getting it, I think that in a few weeks we would be in many points of view in stronger positions."
