It is thought to be the first time the diocese is without a bishop in its history.
The Belfast Telegraph reports: The lack of a bishop is causing concern with no senor cleric to carry out certain sacraments. Discussions are under way about who will perform confirmations this year in the diocese with a final decision expected to be announced later this week.
Traditionally a bishop administers the sacrament, but following the resignation of Bishop Seamus Hegarty in November on health grounds and Auxiliary Bishop Francis Lagan who reached retirement age of 75 earlier last year, Derry is without a bishop.
Since Dr Hegarty stepped down on November 23 the diocese became a Vacant See and it could take up to two years before a successor is appointed.
In his final communications with the people of the diocese, Bishop Hegarty wrote that “due to a health condition which has been assessed to render me unable to fulfil the obligations of my office as Diocesan Bishop”.
With a total of 51 parishes spanning three counties, Derry Diocese is one of the largest in Ireland and in the past the two bishops divided the Confirmations between them equally.
Confirmations in the diocese are scheduled to begin at the end of January which leaves the See and the church wrestling with the dilemma of who will administer them.