Many will welcome return of church services
FOR many, this week-end, will, they hope, be the beginning of the end of the Covid-19 lockdown regulations that have dominated lives for the last three months.
The reason for this is the resumption of church services, for missing Mass has been extremely difficult for many, especially those for whom weekly Mass was part of their routine for decades.
Since the lockdown they have had the welcome broadcast of services into their homes from RTE, or indeed from their own church via the webcam link.
However, many worshippers will tell you it is not the same as attending the service, and they cannot wait to get back.
They will of course return to churches that will have to bring in their own measures to ensure social distancing, for it is certain that there will be a one-way system, and areas designating for seating, with rows of seats completely blocked off.
There will also be a well regulated system, perhaps operated by volunteers in the first few weeks, to ensure that social distancing is maintained for those receiving Holy Communion.
Sadly there will be limited opportunities after Mass to exchange greetings with the priest, or to stop and chat with fellow parishioners which is a vital part of social interaction for many.
No doubt people will get used to these new regulations, just as they have done with shopping, and from next week, visiting the hairdresser or barber.
It is only natural to expect that the same numbers may
MANY WORSHIPPERS WILL TELL YOU IT IS NOT THE SAME AS ATTENDING THE SERVICE, AND THEY CANNOT WAIT TO GET BACK
not return to church services as heretofore for the fear of contracting the virus will deter some, especially the elderly.
Some too will have got used to viewing the service from the comfort of their own homes, and since that service will still be available, they may continue to remain at home.
However, there are sufficient churches in the Dundalk area, all capable of accommodating many more than previously attended services at week-ends, to ensure that a safe environment can be offered to all who wish to attend.