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
