Roman Catholics open their doors in Aptos, CA for live services which others might imitate?

Without a hitch, the Roman Catholics in Aptos, CA  offered   a Class A worship  experience  today  with aplomb, majesty  and   attention to a thousand  details  which  enhanced the  safety  of all participants.

The Roman Catholics met suggested  standards for  safety  and did so as though they’d been doing it this way for some time.  All went smoothly.  The service  was also available on Zoom.  You Tube was not working today.

One important thing was missing at Resurrection  — the social connections that people have attending without face masks and 6′ social distancing rules.   Everyone can pray in their bedroom.  Getting together with others and praying together and socializing together is vital to what church connections offer.  That aspect was entirely missing from the overall experience.  Have to go to the local beach for social connections!

The Episcopals   across Highway #1  nearby  at St. John’s in Aptos  are in the  process of developing a Plan How to Open.   The Episcopals might take a look at  what the Roman Catholics nearby  have  put in place.  Why re-invent something  which can  easily be  imitated and adapted to meet their particular Episcopal needs?  They, and other churches looking forward to reopening safely might  ask for a copy of   the detailed paperwork the Roman Catholics  have  developed and sit in on a service? We are One Body …

How to figure out the social aspects — having a ‘coffee hour’ and how to recognize people when wearing a mask.  Those issues have not been addressed by Catholics in Aptos so far as I can tell.

Overall, for a first time ‘try it out’ the Catholics did a good overall  job.   Think of  an  experience  you may have had of going to the theater or to  a favorite restaurant  knowing that your  advance reservation includes easy  parking near by  and assistance from   helpful persons who guide you to  where you typically sit.   Later, as you leave you may leave  an offering in a   box  located  near the Exit door. Not bad, right?    Overall, it  felt like ‘normal’ only more compfy and very safe.

What to expect:      Decals in the parking lot show  people where to park their  cars (every other space left empty).  And decals also show people  where to stand in line (6′ apart) preparatory to entering the building.

A team of  Greeters quickly move  people up the stairs and into the  building. While  standing in line,  each  person’s temperature is  taken by a Greeter.   Another Greeter  meets  each person  at  the main door to ensure that  the person wears a mask  or provides one as needed.     Another Greeter sprays   the  person’s  hands with cleanser.  Then each person or group  is  taken  to a pre-assigned seating area.   Most people are  seated where they typically sit.

Those who came together as a group sit together as a group.  Individuals were seated 6′ apart.   Every other pew is  left empty.

And  thus the worship service began ….  Comments?  Questions?  Join the conversation?

written by Cameron Jackson    DrCameronJackson@gmail.com

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