THE MILLION DOLLAR QUESTION

As we listen to the news, we are now starting to hear about re-opening and what that will look like.  In different parts of the country and the world government leaders are discussing various ways in which to return to some normal pattern of life.  This is difficult to do while trying to protect the health of everyone concerned.

The million dollar question these days is when will we re-open?  Unfortunately, there is no answer at this time for Western New York.  While parts of our state have seen a decline in the spread of the coronavirus, Western New York has not yet arrived at a point where it is safe to begin life as usual.

This question is being asked of our religious leaders as well:  “When will churches be able to re-open?”  The answer is being discussed.  Plans are being addressed.  But we still do not have an answer.

When we do re-open our churches it will not be all at once.  It will be done in phases.  Around the country as some dioceses are able to re-open their churches, it is being done slowly.

Some things we may expect:  a limited number of people, everyone wearing masks, keeping six feet apart, entering and exiting church by different doors, no missalettes, hand sanitizer instead of Holy Water, a new way to receive Communion, and no socializing.  These are some of the protocols that are being followed in Dioceses where churches are being allowed to phase in their re-opening. 

There is a great deal of discussion and planning before we will be able to re-open churches.  We are asked to continue being patient and pray that this will occur sooner than later.