By Chris Maza
GREATER SPRINGFIELD – While houses of worship were among the first organizations permitted to reopen under the Baker-Polito Administration’s plan, various religious organizations are taking varying levels of cautiousness to protect their congregations.
Gov. Charlie Baker unveiled the commonwealth’s phased reopening plan on May 18. As part of the first phase, houses of worship were allowed to open their doors to conduct in-person services last weekend, given they meet specific standards. Included in those requirements was a 40 percent capacity cap, social distancing of at least six feet by any individuals not in the same household, and the wearing of masks by attendees and staff. Masks for children between two and five-years-old are optional and those under two should not wear face coverings.
No communal gatherings before or after services are allowed, and childcare services must remain suspended.
Local organizations and congregations have had varying responses to the governor’s new orders.
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield permitted churches to resume masses on May 23 with 4 p.m. Vigils, provided they meet criteria and have their plans approved by the Office of the Bishop.
“I was pleased to learn that the opening of churches will be part of the first phase of the state’s reopening measures. In recent days we have asked parishes to begin planning for their reopening, taking into account limited capacity and social distancing, as well as cleaning procedures after every public use of the church,” Bishop Mitchell Rozanski wrote in a letter outlining the requirements for reopening. “It is important that our churches must be in full compliance before we resume public masses.”
As well as following the state’s parameters, the diocese will continue to suspend the sign of peace and holy water fonts will remain empty and covered. Additionally, in celebration of the Eucharist, the host can only be received by hand and no communion wine may be received. Churches are allowed a lector or cantor but no choirs and no altar servers are allowed to assist with the mass at this time. Time also must be allotted between masses for cleaning of the church.
Pastor Merle Beal of Westfield Community Church explained that while they had been able to conduct services via Facebook Live and Bible study through Zoom, the church community was “so excited to be together worshiping again as a church family,” adding, “Our core value is ‘Loving God, Loving our Community, and Serving Both.’ It will be easier for us to practice the value of serving when we are together.”
Addressing health and safety, Beal said the storefront church on Elm Street would adhere to the governor’s guidance and recommended best practices issued by the state’s Reopening Advisory Board.
“We will disinfect our church, require face coverings, provide hand sanitizer and place our folding chairs at least six feet apart, none of which will hinder our worship experience. We will be glad to be together again,” Beal said.
Not all congregations opened immediately in spite of the new allowances, however, and some have no plans to open at this time.
Rabbi Jeremy Master of Sinai Temple said the synagogue on Dickinson Street in Springfield would remain closed as they formulate a plan.
“I have to say I was very surprised that the governor made houses of worship one of the institutions that could reopen,” he said. “We are just starting to put together a task force to consider this issue now. I really don’t think people feel safe coming into an atmosphere like a house of worship even with social distancing in the building.”
Likewise, Rev. Bruce Arbour, pastor of First United Methodist Church on Court Street in Westfield, said he was “surprised” that churches were included in the first phase of reopening the state. “We are working with a reopening team to make sure people feel and are relatively safe. We will also keep our Facebook Live and Zoom session going for those who need to stay home.”
Pastor Jeff King of Christ Lutheran Church on College Highway in Southwick said a grand reopening celebration was planned for June 7 with back-to-back services at 8:15, 9:15, 10:15, and 11:15 a.m.
“There will be amazing live music with a live band, a joyful celebration and lots of positive energy,” he said.
King said they would adhere to the state’s regulations and take steps to preserve the church community’s health and safety by reconfiguring the church space and providing hand sanitizer stations.
“We will also continue to offer our online ‘Christ Virtual Church’ experience each week, which is being viewed by over a thousand people each week,” he added. That service can be found on Facebook and at clcsouthwick.org.
