Germs are everywhere and churches are no exception. AS ERIE MOVES TOWARD THE GREEN PHASE OF REOPENING, CHURCHES THIS PAST SUNDAY HAVE LET PATRONS COME INSIDE AND WORSHIP FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE MARCH.

"It's going to be a gradual comeback because are a little concerned and cautious and understandably so," says Bishop Persico. 

SINCE MARCH, THE CATHOLIC DIOCESES OF ERIE HAS WIPED DOWN, DISINFECTED, AND REPLACED SOME OF THE OLD WAYS WITH THE NEW NORMAL. PEWS HAVE BEEN SECTIONED OFF TO KEEP PEOPLE SPREAD APART AND HAND SANITIZER IS PLACED AROUND THE CHURCH. COMMUNION TOO, IS MUCH DIFFERENT.


"You wear your mask up to communion, you receive communion, move to the side, remove the mask,take communion and move on," says Bishop Persico. 

ALTHOUGH THIS ISN'T WHAT FREQUENT FLIERS OF THE CHURCH ARE USED TO, BISHOP PERSICO SAYS THAT IT'S FOR THE BEST.

"This gives them the opportunity to come back but to do so practicing safe distancing, using the mask and hand sanitizer," says Bishop Persico.

The Diocese recommends that if you feel sick, have a cough or a fever more of 100 degrees, stay home and watch the live stream on their website.