bcoupland@tribtoday.com
The next few days normally is a time when area churches are filled to capacity for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services.
However, the COVID-19 pandemic has forced churches to alter their services and traditions because of restrictions on crowd size and social-distancing guidelines. Many churches canceled their Easter services in April because the pandemic was in its early stages and many moved to online services, with some still offering both live and online worship to accommodate people’s preferences. Others are having worship outside in parking lots.
Monsignor John Zuraw, chancellor for the Diocese of Youngstown, said parishes of the Diocese have all adapted for holding Christmas Eve Masses.
The next few days normally is a time when area churches are filled to capacity for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services.
However, the COVID-19 pandemic has forced churches to alter their services and traditions because of restrictions on crowd size and social-distancing guidelines. Many churches canceled their Easter services in April because the pandemic was in its early stages and many moved to online services, with some still offering both live and online worship to accommodate people’s preferences. Others are having worship outside in parking lots.
Monsignor John Zuraw, chancellor for the Diocese of Youngstown, said parishes of the Diocese have all adapted for holding Christmas Eve Masses.