Diocese of Colorado Springs says public Mass returning this weekend with reservations

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- Public Masses will resume at Catholic Churches in the Colorado Springs area on a limited basis this weekend, the Diocese announced Monday.

The Diocese of Colorado Springs says churches will use a reservation system for parishioners and strict social distancing guidelines will be in place. Public Masses will resume May 16-17.

Erica Jesse, who attended Mass every week prior to the pandemic, says she received an email link to setup her reservation.

“Being able to go back now means the world to us," she said. "Just to be in the presence of the body of Christ again is going to be really powerful.”

Although the reservation system will allow churches to limit how many people attend per service, the Diocese says each pastor has some discretion when establishing their capacity.

“We’re trusting the pastors to work with their county health officials to come up with practices that are best for them," said Veronica Ambuul, the director of communications for the Diocese. "So it is going to vary depending on where you are in the Diocese.” 

However, Ambuul also said there may be more than 10 people attending Mass in some cases.

Bishop Michael J. Sheridan said, "While we are happy to be able to welcome the faithful back to church, Catholics are still dispensed from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass because we are not yet at the point where we are permitted to fill our churches."

The Diocese is also asking its members to wear masks and use the available hand sanitizers often.

“As long as we take steps to be safe in reopening, it’ll be an excellent thing," Jesse said.

People who are sick or may have conditions that make them susceptible to coronavirus are still encouraged to stay home and attend service virtually or watch on TV.

It's not yet clear if this new development is in line with El Paso County's public health order. We're working on getting more information and will update this article.