Churches Reopen for Prayer

By Allison Perrine

Members of the Catholic faith are working their way back to some normalcy, as churches within the Diocese of Trenton can now reopen for private prayer.

Typical Mass services and gatherings are still prohibited, however. But select Two River area churches in Colts Neck, Holmdel, Middletown, Atlantic Highlands, Red Bank, Fair Haven, Rumson and Monmouth Beach are now able to host private prayer services with social distancing guidelines if they so choose.

In a statement issued May 8, Bishop David M. O’Connell said it is not merely the opinion of some people that influenced the decision to reopen, but the opinion of experienced health experts who have warned the diocese “not to rush into reopening churches to the faithful before their safety can be assured or, at least, uncompromised, in the face of this virulent contagion.”

That’s why social distancing measures must be in place during these private prayer services, with no more than 10 people in a space at a time and with masks on. Pastors must determine whether or not their churches can open safely. If they do open, churches must be regularly sanitized after use. Private prayer will be limited to Monday through Friday, with hours also determined by individual pastors.

“We realize that the current state of affairs cannot stay as it is forever without some spiritual relief,” O’Connell said.

ST. CATHERINE CHURCH, HOLMDEL

In the Two River area, in Holmdel, St. Catharine’s has reopened its chapel for private prayer Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Churchgoers can sit and pray in silence so long as they wear masks and practice social distancing. There are six chairs set up in the chapel alongside electric candles to light as a prayer for someone else. The biggest element, however, is the Tabernacle with Jesus present in the Eucharist, said Rev. Patrick McPartland.

“People can come for a bit of peace and quiet and have a conversation with God,” he told The Two River Times. “I think people are so happy that there is some access to what the church represents God’s presence. Although God is certainly present everywhere, people feel a special connection when we come and pray in a house dedicated to Him and in His Eucharistic presence.”

Since reopening May 13, McPartland said between 10 and 20 people come each day, typically for 10 minutes or up to an hour, but most of the “regulars” are staying home. The response has been positive, he said. Many have sent cards and emails thanking the church and its staff for all they have been doing through this time, whether it be online communications, live-streamed Masses and now, private prayer.

“There is a real desire to stay connected with God and each other,” said McPartland. “It gives me the strength to keep going and patiently await the day we will be together again at Mass.”

And McPartland is certain that while it may take a while, things are heading in the right direction and church members will eventually be able to congregate again with one another, side by side. For now, the reopening of the chapel for private prayer is a sign that things are moving in the right direction, he added.

“I believe people are really waiting for the time to come together at Sunday Mass as a community and to be able to receive Communion together. We hope that little by little, when safe, we will be allowed more freedom to worship and come together, eventually back to a normal Sunday routine,” said McPartland. “This may take a while, but we are starting to go in this direction.”

ST. MARY, MIDDLETOWN

At St. Mary’s in Middletown, the church is not only offering private prayer but also parking lot Mass services, both of which have been a great success, said Rev. Jeffrey Kegley.

On Monday, the church had its first parking lot Mass. Using speakers hooked up to telephone poles in its large parking lot already purchased and in-place because of the annual fair the church hosts Kegley was able to preach to attendees in about 150 cars, an estimated 350 individuals total.

“It was very emotional and a very uplifting celebration,” said Kegley. Additionally, before the pandemic, St. Mary’s offered private prayer 24 hours a day. Now, the church is open for up to 10 individuals at a time from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Visitors go into the church and sit in designated pews while social distancing from one another. Each day, the pews are wiped down and cleaned several times. While praying, the Blessed Sacrament is exposed for churchgoers, said Kegley.

ST. MARY, COLTS NECK

There’s no sitting in pews yet at St. Mary’s in Colts Neck. Instead, visitors are asked to take a seat in one of the 10 available brown chairs set up inside the church. Anyone over the age of 2 must wear a mask or face covering, according to the church.

Additionally, public restrooms are closed to churchgoers at this time. No public gatherings, such as devotional groups, are permitted inside the church.

ST. BENEDICT CHURCH, HOLMDEL

St. Benedict Church has also taken on the opportunity to reopen for private prayer and devotion. Since May 13, the church’s Hall of Saints has been open on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Its main church, Perpetual Adoration Chapel and public restrooms remain closed, however.

When worshippers arrive, they must enter the church through Door 6 in the back of the building. There, 10 seats are available. If the seats are full, individuals are asked to wait in their cars until a seat opens up. If there are open seats, individuals are asked to be seated and not stand. Everyone must wear a mask and practice social distancing at all times.

To keep the hall as clean as possible, visitors are asked to not touch any surfaces, including statues. The space is disinfected daily and hand sanitizer is available in the hallway and inside the Hall of Saints.

The article originally appeared in the May 21 – 27, 2020 print edition of The Two River Times.