Shortly after the opening at 9am. a parishioner prays the rosary in Our Lady of Sorrows Church in Hamilton, in one of the appointed chairs set up for private prayer. (Michael Mancuso | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)
Since the coronavirus lockdown began two months ago, like everyone else, churches have struggled to adapt.
While a Catholic mass on television is nothing new, now individual churches have begun streaming their own Sunday services on social media platforms like Facebook and YouTube.
Many of the faithful set up makeshift altars in their own homes complete with candles and reverently follow along on their electronic devices, kneeling, standing and praying with the priest.
They could be in God’s presence. They just couldn’t be in His house - until this week.
Bishop David M. O’Connell issued instructions for the reopening of churches in the Diocese of Trenton for private prayer only, and following all public health guidelines, as of May 13, the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima or following, once pastors determine they can safely do so.
Msgr. Thomas Gervasio, right, vicar general, chair of Bishop David M. O'Connell's Post Pandemic Parish Task Force of Pastors, at the door to Our Lady of Sorrows Church shortly after opening. (Michael Mancuso | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)
Msgr. Thomas Gervasio, vicar general, was appointed chair of Bishop David M. O’Connell's Post Pandemic Parish Task Force of Pastors. He was charged with developing a “phased approach” from the reopening of churches for private prayer to the gradual restoration of the "full Catholic and sacramental life."
Gervasio is also pastor of Our Lady of Sorrows - St. Anthony Parish and was on hand at 9 a.m. for OLS’s opening.
“We are happy to begin this first step to full restoration of our liturgical life,” Gervasio said. “I’m sure people are happy to see that, to see the light at the end of the tunnel. It's been a hard thing for people to stay away.”
Shortly after the opening at 9am. a parishioner prays the rosary in Our Lady of Sorrows Church in Hamilton, in one of the appointed chairs set up for private prayer. (Michael Mancuso | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)
Pastors have the individual flexibility to determine whether or not and when they can open their churches safely and to determine the hours for private prayer, according to the
.
For any churches that open, across-the-board rules apply, including:
- Limited number of visitors at one time (no more than 10) according to NJ state guidelines and social distancing (minimum of 6 feet between visitors) to be observed.
- Areas/pews for seating to be reserved to facilitate cleaning afterward.
- Wearing of masks required for all those making visits
Father Dennis Apoldite, pastor of Sacred Heart Parish, after opening the door of Our Lady of the Divine Shepherd in south Trenton, formerly Holy Cross Church, at 11am. (Michael Mancuso | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)
Most of the sanctuary is closed off inside Our Lady of Sorrows Church in Hamilton. Only a section in the front is reserved for private prayer. (Michael Mancuso | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)
A sign on the door at Our Lady of Sorrows Church in Hamilton, lists stipulations for entry. (Michael Mancuso | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)
A sign, right, on the door of Mary Mother of the Church in Bordentown, lists hours and stipulations for private prayer. (Michael Mancuso | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)
A parishioner walks up the steps shortly after the 11am opening at Our Lady of the Divine Shepherd Church in south Trenton, formerly Holy Cross Church. (Michael Mancuso | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)
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Michael Mancuso may be reached at mmancuso@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @michaelmancuso. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
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