From pews to parking lots, churchgoers will be able to attend mass in person this weekend.

“It will look different,” said Father Christopher Ballard of Our Lady of Hope. “It’s not normal. Nothing is normal right now, so we’re doing the best we can.”  

Parish leaders in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Syracuse are excited to have public masses once again.

“This weekend to allow people to come back together again, worship together is huge for us,” said Father Ballard.

Bishop Douglas Lucia says some parishes won’t open until late June. Those holding mass in church can only have 10 people, while parking lots can have 50% capacity.

“If you’re coming to mass, you’re going to have to bring a mask,” said Bishop Lucia. “We’re using masks. We’ll use hand sanitizer. When they’re in church, there will be the social distance in the seating. I’ve been to the Cathedral. They’ve already marked out the social distancing.”

Father Ballard says Our Lady of Hope is having service outside.

“We’ll put people in every other parking spot basically using our ushers,” said Father Ballard. “We’re going to broadcast right to their radios.”

When it’s time for Communion, the Bishop is urging people to receive it by hand. He also recommends to continue worshipping at home if you feel safer.

“Nobody right now has to feel that they have to come,” said Bishop Lucia. “This is the time to really just work on our relationship with God. I just want people to know we’re not going to stop the livestreaming.”

But for those who come in-person, Father Ballard is excited for your company.

“It will be so nice to look out and see faces,” said Father Ballard. “I’m used to preaching my homilies to a screen. It will be nice to see the eyes of my parishioners again, through a windshield from a distance, but it’s a step in the right direction.”

Bishop Lucia advises people to register for mass online or by phone. Daily Mass will be begin Monday.