This year has been a rough year for everyone, and people say they need to turn to their faith more than ever. But, just like everything else, it’s challenging.

Stores, salons, and other businesses have recently opened up, and although a lot of people are happy, the Catholic community is still waiting for more churches to open.

“The local government showed their true colors and communicated very clearly that in their eyes, religion does not hold an essential place in the lives of their constituents.”

Social distancing will help to follow protocols, but city officials think there will be a significant risk of transmitting COVID-19.

Aidan Geraldi ’22 said, “It depends on the amount of people gathering. Church usually has a larger gathering of people than a grocery store or a salon, so I agree with it”.

Currently, Catholics are experiencing Mass via live stream. Although parishioners are practicing their Catholic faith through live streams, some Catholics feel like they are not getting the full experience.

“While we can experience God anywhere, being in His physical presence does something to a person and can change them more powerfully,” said Keeney. “The presence of Christ in Eucharist cannot be experienced in the same way through a television as it can be through being truly present at Mass.”

Geraldi also said, “Receiving the Eucharist is something you can only do at Mass, you can’t do it virtually.”

Receiving the Eucharist is important to Catholics, and they hope the City will lift the ban and loosen the restrictions on re-opening the Church so Catholics can once again experience receiving the Sacrament of Communion in person and rejoice with their fellow parishioners.