(WXYZ) — After two months of online-only services, some Catholic churches within the Archdiocese of Detroit held their first public Sunday Mass since the stay-at-home executive order was issued.
Meanwhile, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has extended the stay home order through June 12, limiting gatherings to 10 people or less. Whitmer also says, “No house of worship or attendee at religious services is subject to penalty for religious activity in the State of Michigan.“
Mass at Old St. Mary’s in Greektown isn’t quite back to normal yet, but with safety precautions in place it is open and many other Catholic churches are following suit since the Archdiocese of Detroit issued guidelines early last week.
Father Mario Amore says masks must be worn by all who attend and social distancing must be maintained. Some pews are roped off and markers are in place to help parishioners stay 6 feet apart.
Anti-bacterial gel is available upon entering and capacity is limited to 25%
“The larger parishes, many of them are having an online RSVP system,” says Father Amore.
The Archdiocese of Detroit made the decision before President Trump’s declaration that churches are essential services, though in Michigan gatherings of 10 or more are prohibited, Gov. Whitmer has said places of worship will not be fined.
Father Amore says it feels good to be back in church serving communion, tho for now, without the wine.
“For those who are ready to come back our doors are open. If you’re not, it doesn’t make you a second rate Catholic or anything like that it just means you want to take more time and we totally respect that,” says Father Amore.
Even with changes parishioners who attended their first in person mass in two months say they are grateful.
Meanwhile, local mosques celebrated the end of Ramadan in a new way with online prayer services and drive thru celebrations encouraging families to find happiness and peace even while practicing their faith apart.
Online worship services continued through out metro Detroit as some faith leaders in Metro Detroit released statements saying they will follow health guidelines and open when they feel confident they can do so safely not everyone believes that time is now.
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