As cases of COVID-19 rise around the world, many churches have had to make adjustments to the way they provide worship services, with some going to online streaming only and others providing a hybrid model of both online and in-person services. The Era talked to several local churches to see what their plans were for holding Christmas services this year.
According to Fr. Jim Gutting, St. Bernard, St. Francis of Assisi and Our Mother of Perpetual Help will all be holding Christmas masses. On Christmas Eve, St. Francis will be holding a mass at 5:30 p.m., while St. Bernard will be holding two masses, one at 5:30 p.m. and one at 8 p.m. On Christmas Day, there will be an 8 a.m. mass at St. Francis, with a 10 a.m. mass at St. Bernard and 11:30 a.m. at Our Mother of Perpetual Help.
At this time, none of the three churches are streaming online, though Fr. Gutting said if there is another shut down, they are planning on creating an online service.
All three churches are following the regular COVID-19 guidelines, such as mask wearing and social distancing.
“People will be seated in every other pew, with six feet in between individuals and family units,” he explained. “People wear masks during the entire service, with the exception of communion.”
Hand sanitizer is also available for all those who wish to use it before receiving communion.
The Diocese of Erie has also created a listing of the public and live streamed Christmas Eve and Christmas Masses being celebrated at parishes throughout the diocese at www.eriercd.org/christmas.html.
“Parishes want to be as welcoming as possible during this Christmas season, a time when many people are looking to include a spiritual aspect to their celebration,” said Anne-Marie Welsh, director of communications for the diocese in a press release. “We hope this will make it easier for everyone to find the information they are seeking.”
Anette Stark, Outreach Coordinator for Open Arms Church said they will still be holding their “Christmas Eve’s Eve” services at 6 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. on Wednesday, with the theme being “home for Christmas.” Stark said appropriate social distancing and mask-wearing will also be observed at these services.
Rev. Robert Klouw said he and his wife, Rev. Katherine Randall, have prepared services to be live streamed from the First Presbyterian Church Facebook page.
Although the Era was unable to reach a representative by phone, the Church of the Ascension Facebook page noted that due to rising cases of COVID-19, the bishop called for the suspension of in-person worship services at this time. Instead, they will be live-streaming worship services from 7 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Christmas Eve.
Visit www.ascensionbradford.org for more information.
