These are the two signs that have appeared in our churches during the past year of the pandemic. Both expressed a message to support public health. Generally, people followed the messages when churches were closed. Now that they are open, people seem a little cautious, but hopeful.
The "Sorry We're Closed" sign set off a tremendous amount of activity in parishes. Each parish had to increase its connection with their people if their people did not physically enter their building. Parish music programs were uprooted, although some used creative ways to continue their music ministry. Parish programs quickly morphed into on-line experiences. People that had never picked up a computer manual in their lives suddenly become experts at ZOOM and a host of other things on the internet.
Although this is speculative, it does make sense that those parishes that had the most contact with their people found their people supporting their parish at levels almost approaching pre-pandemic. Parishes that do not do much to reach out to their people - well, let's say - their results were predictable. Sigh.
I was intrigued by the quick shifts people made in order to at least have some experience of prayer and worship through live-stream liturgies. This happened far more quickly than I would ever have imagined. Now, with the "we're open" signs rapidly appearing in most parishes, we will face another phenomenon. What does it take - what must we do - so that people will feel comfortable in returning to buildings that were pretty much closed for the last few months.
As I look at what has happened in various segments of everyday life, it seems reasonable to suggest that the return will be staggered. Because a bishop announces that the churches will reopen and that people can return to their parish church, while it might be nice, it does not generally mean that people will instantly change the habits formed during the pandemic and just return to church.
We look at the types of enticements being offered to people to get their vaccines - and the great success they have had in increasing the number of people being vaccinated. Regardless of the approach that is used, it is not going to happen quickly or automatically. What will cause people to change their routine formed over the past year and return to the churches. Pastors and church ministers need to reach out to their people - and ask them - what can they do to make possible their return to church.
If it takes 20-50 days to build a habit, then how many days to help extricate themselves from the pattern of watching Mass on live-stream - and actually gingerly (sorry, atrocious grammar) head into church.
I'm going to start thinking about this - why don't you do the same and share it with your parish leaders. We are all in new territory here. The Eucharist is the heart of the Church - certainly the heart of being Catholic. How can we restore the exerience of worship and prayer that our people have missed for the past year? Easier said than done. Practical insightful minds need to figure this out.
Minimally, I figure it will take until the fall to see an appreciable difference. I would love to be proven wrong.