Regina churches ‘thrilled’ to be welcoming people for Easter

Places of worship in Regina are thrilled just to be able to have people in churches this Easter.

That’s a big contrast to last year, says Lisa Polk with the Archdiocese of Regina.

“Last year we were in a complete shutdown (due to COVID-19). We had only one service for Easter in southern Saskatchewan and that was at Holy Rosary Cathedral,” Polk said.

“This year, we consider it somewhat of a success that we’ve been allowed to remain open. It’s certainly a gift as other public places have been asked to shut down.

“We certainly have a higher responsibility and obligation to be very careful over the coming days.”

Places of worship in the Queen City can have up to 30 occupants, while other places of worship throughout the province can hold up to 150 people as long as there is room to physically distance.

Public health measures in Regina have resulted in something of a rollercoaster for churches, as places of worship had prepared for larger services in early March before variants of concern set the city’s rules back a few notches.

“Although it’s a small number of people, it is still something to celebrate,” Polk said of having a maximum of 30 people at a service. “We are quite thrilled just to be able to have some services this year.”

Despite having the opportunity to have in-person services, Polk says churches will still be prioritizing a virtual Easter.

“I think families really need to look at all of their circumstances and make a decision that is going to keep everybody in their families and workplaces safe,” she said.

“If you feel like you are able to attend a service and you are healthy and the people in your home are healthy, if you can get a spot in one of those churches, then I think it’s a wonderful opportunity.

“There will be livestream services again this year, so you will still be able to connect into your faith and religious practices.”

Private indoor gatherings are currently banned in the Queen City and people are being told not to travel elsewhere to gather with family or attend a service this Easter.

All of this makes for some deja vu this Easter Sunday.

“We would encourage people to be connecting virtually with your family and do your best under the circumstances we find ourselves in right now,” Polk said.

“It does feel brutal that we’re at this critical junction in dealing with the pandemic rate during this holy week just as we were last year. But we have great hope for the future and we have great hope for the end of this pandemic.”