Worshipers here in Houston are disappointed they won't be able to get together in person to celebrate Easter or Passover. However, religious leaders say they will come together as a community online.
Monsignor Bill Young at Saint Vincent de Paul Catholic Church has a message for church-goers feeling upset during Holy Week.
“Spend time focusing on the blessings that they have in life and having those conversations with God,” Monsignor Young said.
He says keeping the holidays communal is not easy. Many local religious groups have embraced Facebook, YouTube, and Zoom. Rabbi Adrienne Scott says members of Congregation Beth Israel have been celebrating Passover in group chats.
“We used to think, well you can’t be with us for the Seder [meal], oh well,” Rabbi Scott explained. “In the future, I hope that there will be a way to not only come together in person, but also use the technology and truly feel that we are coming together.”
Religious communities agree that amid the coronavirus crisis, they’re united in prayer and a sense of renewal.