Church services resume

San Antonio Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller prepares to take flight May 11 with Col. Darren Bond of the Commemorative Air Force in “Ole Yeller,” a 1942 SNJ aircraft, to bless the archdiocese from the skies. Just prior to the flight, he announced public daily Masses can resume May 19, and Sunday liturgy, the weekend of May 23-24. FELIPE SALAZAR/Photographer, www.Flickr.com/sal2182000

As the coronavirus pandemic closed school campuses and businesses across the state, many wanted to seek comfort and wage their battle in communal prayer.

But the COVID-19 crushed that solace, too. Although houses of worship were deemed “essential services” which could remain open, many churches suspended services, due to public health concerns, and the restriction limiting social gatherings to no more than 10 people.

Although First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs and some small congregations have continued services, most Wilson County congregations elected to offer services via livestreaming on Facebook or through websites.

Some, such as the First Lutheran Church of Floresville, have offered “drive-through Communion” — inviting church members to participate in the recorded service via YouTube, then visit the church to receive Communion.

All went well with the first such event May 3, said Rev. John Conrad.

“Right now, we’re planning on continuing with our first and third Sunday of the month for Communion,” he said. “No-contact” Communion will be available again this Sunday, May 17, from 10-11 a.m.

Volunteers wearing masks and gloves offer Communion May 3 outside the First Lutheran Church of Floresville. In-person Sunday services at area churches are gradually resuming, although with some changes. COURTESY/First Lutheran Church

Rev. Rick Hinger of Good News Lutheran Church just north of Elmendorf has even offered Communion to folks in their cars waiting for the church’s weekly food pantry distribution.

For Catholics, “drive-through Communion” isn’t an option, due to church teaching.

Churchgoers long for the opportunity to unite under one roof in prayer.

Grace Bible Church in La Vernia began Sunday services May 10 by reservation. Church members visit the website to subscribe to a service, and the sanctuary is set up with appropriate social distancing between seats.

On May 11, Archbishop Gustavo García- Siller announced that Masses in the San Antonio archdiocese will resume later this month.

“It is with great joy that I am able to restore the sacramental life of our local church …,” he said, adding that public Sunday liturgy will be resumed beginning the weekend of May 23-24, and public daily Mass — following directives and guidelines — can resume May 19.

He thanked “the people of God who have been patiently waiting” for this.

“It is wonderful to know that we will be able to get together and pray and worship the Lord as a community, and communities,” the archbishop said, before taking flight to bless the archdiocese from the skies in a vintage aircraft, courtesy of the Commemorative Air Force.

Health protocols

Churches and places of worship are encouraged to follow some guidelines from the Department of State Health Services to protect public health as efforts to contain the coronavirus pandemic continue.

Among the recommendations:

•Strongly encourage those at risk — ages 65 and older, those with chronic illnesses, and weakened immunity — to participate in services remotely

•Ensure proper spacing between attendees

•Household members can sit together

•Train employees and volunteers on appropriate cleaning and disinfection, hand hygiene, and respiratory etiquette; regularly clean and disinfect regularly touched surfaces and disinfect seats between services

•Have employees and volunteers wash or sanitize their hands upon entering

•Screen employees and volunteers prior to entering the church

•Make hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, soap and water, or similar readily available

•Consider having employees, volunteers, and attendees wear cloth face coverings (over the nose and mouth).

nkilbey-smith@wcn-online.com