Coronavirus Religious Gatherings

Early on during the coronavirus, one of the most controversial issues was the banning of church gatherings. Most churches and congregations have abided by the social distancing rules and limits on large gatherings of people. 

I remember watching on Easter Andrea Bocelli singing in an empty cathedral and on the empty streets of Milan during the coronavirus' peak in Italy and how stirring it was - both his singing and the sight of the deserted streets.

Some pastors like Tony Spell in Louisiana have defied the coronavirus orders and have been arrested or fined for holding large church services. 

That being said, I recently went to my first church gathering since the coronavirus pandemic hit the United States six months ago. Up to now, our local church had been live streaming the services (except when LA for a couple of weeks allowed them to resume). I am proud to say that my son is on the video ministry team and helped make the streaming of those services possible.

I went to the in-person service because my son had completed his religious education training and was to be confirmed in the Catholic church. This is very big step in a Catholic individual's commitment to their faith. The act of being confirmed has to be done in person and a candidate's entire family usually comes to celebrate the occasion.

I am happy to say that my church abided by all the coronavirus restrictions through careful and thoughtful preparation to keep everyone safe including the priest who is in his early 80's meaning that he was considered high risk of dying if he contracted the illness.

The service was held outside on the church patio beneath a large magnolia tree. The candidate was allowed to bring three guests. Each row  of chairs was separated from the row on either side by 6 feet. Also, there was only one family per row on either side of the aisle. And rather than having all of the confirmation candidates for the church participate in one ceremony as in the past, they were scheduled in 4 different time slots.

When we arrived, our temperatures were checked, we had to sign a paper stating that we did not have any flu-like symptoms, and sanitizer was set out on the registration tables. 

The rest of the service was typical until it came time to wishing your neighbors peace and taking communion. 

At our church, people usually shake hands when giving each other the sign or blessing of peace. Due to coronavirus, there were lots of peace symbols flashed to our neighbors prompting many smiles.

Then came communion. We had to follow a specific path and let the pastor place the bread in your hand. Then a person walked 6 feet away, dropped their mask, ate it, put the mask back on, and then returned to their seat. Wine was not shared. No way to get around coronavirus on that one.

In the end, it was a beautiful ceremony. It was also a lot shorter than previous ceremonies due to the smaller group of candidates, limited family members, and lack of singing. Also family members throughout California were able to watch the ceremony.

Events large and small can be accomplished during our new coronavirus era with proper planning and care.

Take care and be safe.

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