In a so-called “post-virus” world in which Covid-19 is still very much in evidence, some religious congregations in Guadalajara and the Chapala area, encouraged by a modicum of government relaxation, are moving away from online services and groping towards in-person services.
But not all.
“We’re doing fine with Zoom,” said Robbin Moore, priest-in-charge of St. Andrew’s Anglican Church in Chapala, predicting the church will not re-open physically until October 1. She explained that most parishioners are over 60, at risk of severe disease, and would not enjoy an all-masked Mass with no communion or singing. About 50 people have been participating online each Sunday (and breaking into social chat groups afterwards). Plus, the church remains financially solvent via four or five donation methods, she said.
“Meanwhile we’re doing a few renovations and improvements, such as a mural, at the church.”
At what is perhaps the other end of the reopening spectrum is the Little Chapel by the Lake, a non-denominational Christian church on the highway at lakeside, which, according to trustee Belva Velazquez, is the oldest English-speaking congregation at lakeside.
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