Jan 3, 2021
David Gettings receives Holy Communion from Father Joseph McCaffrey during an outdoor Mass on June 2 in front of the former Sears building in Union Township. The parking lot Masses were prompted by COVID-19 limitations on indoor gatherings, and have helped to build community in the 18-month-old Holy Spirit Parish, McCaffrey believes. FILE | NEWS
The COVID-19 pandemic of 2020, with its bans and limitations on in-person gatherings at schools, churches, restaurants and celebrations, served to keep people apart.
In response, the Diocese of Pittsburgh strengthened its efforts to bring them together.
âIâve observed how the pandemic has created a new hunger in the hearts of our people, a hunger that has been stirred by physical distancing, and in many cases, the inability to attend Mass in person,â Bishop David A. Zubik said in a statement to The News. âTo feed this new hunger our pastors have responded so creati