With Gov. Gavin Newsom set to unveil guidelines early this week for restarting in-person religious services, the Roman Catholic Diocese of San Diego has begun planning to safely welcome back parishioners.
The diocese has determined that in-person daily Masses can begin June 8 and set June 14 as the target date for parishes to celebrate Sunday Mass, with significant steps required to enforce social distancing.
The plan is still being developed, taking into account guidance from county and state health officials and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
But it will likely mean big changes, including shorter Masses, protective masks for parishioners, no choir or singing, attendance at 25 percent to 50 percent of capacity, among other things, said Kevin Eckery, vice chancellor of the diocese and a spokesperson for the diocese….
At least 1,200 churches and possibly more statewide are planning to hold in-person services on May 31 for Pentecost Sunday — no matter what reopening guidelines Newsom rolls out this week.
Pastor Fred Zariczny of Oceanside’s Rushing Wind Ministry held in-person services on Sunday despite statewide health orders banning such gatherings — moving worship into the parking lot to enhance social distancing for roughly 100 people in attendance.
“We’re not trying to make a statement,” said Zariczny, who also is founder of Bikers for Christ. “Our one point is that churches are essential. If 7-Elevens are essential, if liquor stores are essential, how much more essential should churches be?”
Rushing Wind Ministry has held in-person worship services for three weeks.
The above comes from a May 24 story in the San Diego Union-Tribune.
The Diocese of Orange announced on May 22 that its public Masses will resume on Sunday, June 14.
Yeah the pastor on the Harley is totally cool! Great post for a Catholic website.
My sentiments exactly, George.
There are some priests and, of course, other Catholics who ride as well. There are Catholic motorcycle groups like Cross Bearers, Knights on Bikes and Saints & Sinners. Most of these ride together to spread the gospel and share our faith with others. Frankly, for most bikers in the country, Mass is not the first thing on their minds on a Sunday morning. It creates an opportunity to meet and invite others to join us.
(I haven’t ridden motorcycle in years, but preferred off-road, where careless drivers don’t endanger one so much!)
Stay safe if you hit the road!
As I was coming out of a shopping center, I once got behind a small framed, young man on a bike that really was too big for him. Every time he tried to start the thing, it would go a ways than it would tip over. After awhile he had quite a few cars behind him. He was trying to turn left into heavy traffic, and I was afraid he would get out into the intersection, and the bike would tip, and he would get injured or killed.
Finally, he got off of it and directed me and the cars behind him to turn right. I said a lot of prayers that that young man would be okay. I found myself wishing I had told him to turn right himself as it was less dangerous.
There are also the “Thank you, Jesus” moments, such as when a biker comes flying around you and in front of you, and the light turn red and he stops. Thank is when you say, “Thank you, Jesus, I did not hit him,”