Bishop Christian Riesbeck presides over mass at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. (photo submitted by Natasha Mazerolle)
Distancing and masks are no longer required in the Diocese of Saint John’s churches, but it won’t be discouraged.
Bishop Christian Riesbeck said they want everyone who is attending church to feel welcome and safe.
Riesbeck credits priests for adapting to COVID-19 with creative solutions such as live-streamed or outdoor services.
Another change at churches in the green phase sees churches allowed to have full capacity for funerals.
“In many cases, loved ones could only follow online. Now they can have full capacity, but I am sure
accommodations will be made for anyone feeling vulnerable or who may be unable to travel at this time. We will continue to minister and reach out to those [people] as best we can,” Riesbeck said.
He said the process for distributing Holy Communion was changed at the Cathedral due to an ongoing construction project which has scaffolding inside the church.
“It wasn’t feasible to have communion at the right time so, it was easier for people to receive communion at the end of mass and then walk out in terms of flow and physical distancing and so forth. So, that will return to the normal time,” Riesbeck said.
In terms of mental health impacts, Riesbeck thinks the pandemic has been “very difficult, very challenging.”
“So this a real relief and I’m sure a sense of joy for people to be able to come to our churches in full capacity and to experience community,” Riesbeck said.
He expects people will return to church gradually.
“I don’t see everybody rushing back right away,” Riesbeck said.
He has heard from people who are excited to see the faces of the congregation coming into the church.
Riesbeck is grateful to everyone who worked diligently in all faith communities to keep people safe.
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