GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – For area churches, the Christmas season is one of their busiest times.
Amid the coronavirus pandemic, churches are making modifications to better control the crowds.
“Christmas is going to be tough. Just like Holy Week was tough this year,” Diocese of Green Bay Director of Divine Worship Shaun Johnson said.
St. Matthew Catholic Community Father Bob Cabat tells FOX 11 The Diocese of Green Bay is allowing Christmas Eve masses to start earlier this year.
“Usually at Christmas Eve for all churches all denominations the 4 o’clock Christmas Eve is the one that’s always the most packed because they come to church, go home, have supper and celebrate Christmas. So what we’ve done with the Bishop Ricken’s permission, is we’re having masses at 1, 3 o’clock, and 6:30 on Christmas Eve to kind of spread people out.”
While Father Bob does not anticipate large crowds, some churches are.
Others are using a ticketing system for masses.
Many churches like St. Matthews are also offering virtual service options.
The Union Congregational United Church of Christ has been fully virtual since March, and they intend to stay that way through the holidays.
“While we miss being able to see each other and actually offer the handshake of peace and things like that, we wouldn’t be able to right now anyway.”
Senior Pastor Rev. Bridget Flad Daniels tells FOX 11 they’re finding new ways to come together while still staying six feet apart.
The church will be holding a drive-in Christmas Eve worship.
“Something to do, a way to gather, a way to be together. I’m really excited. It’ll be different, but we’ll still be able to come together.”
Some religious leaders want people to celebrate Christmas safely, whether it’s in church or at home.
‘We need to celebrate Christmas here, at home, wherever. The big thing is to do that, especially through charity. Here at the worship church, we’re trying to keep people safe but as well worship the lord’s birth,” Father Bob Cabat said.
Local religious leaders say check with your church to see how they’re handling holiday season services.
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