Parishes across the Diocese of Rockford are working to accommodate more parishioners.

 

All parishes of the diocese have now been certified to open for 30% of building capacity as long as social distancing is maintained.

 

With its church building under construction, Holy Family Parish in Rockford has set up its gym for Masses. Daily and weekend Masses that can include up to 77 persons with proper social distancing began on Trinity Sunday weekend.

 

Rows of chairs are placed a good six-feet apart. Parishioners are seated with several chairs in between them, although families may sit together. Everyone enters through one door and exits through another.

 

Volunteers help with check in and sanitization after Mass. Attendees tip their chairs forward to help volunteers know which chairs need to be cleaned.

 

“All in all, it seemed to go very well,” says Holy Family pastor, Father Phillip Kaim.