Valley residents looking forward to celebrating Easter weekend safely
When it comes to Easter, we know this year will look a lot different than last year. Many local churches are ready to resume in-person easter service once again.
News Channel 3’s Dani Romero has more on how they plan to do that safely.
This year Palm Desert Community Presbyterian Church believes Easter will hold a greater significance.
“We’re celebrating resurrection that’s something good coming out of something horrible and we’re coming out of something horrible," said David Ludwig, pastor at Palm Desert Community Presbyterian Church. "which is this pandemic. we are still trying to keep it safe.”
They are opening up the church doors once again for Easter service.
“We are going to have for those who are uncomfortable being inside,we’ll have an outdoor service at 9:00am," said Ludwig. "We’ll have an indoor service at 11 am.”
Pastor David Ludwig added that they want to be together safely.
"There will be activities and playtime and Easter egg hunts during our children’s ministry hour but we work hard to keep them distance to keep everybody safe and decrease the spread of germs," said Ludwig.
There are big plans to make up for last year. Sacred Heart Church like many other churches cancelled in person Easter service in 2020 because of the pandemic.
“You have to have a reservation to come we have people checking you in like as if you are going to a restaurant," said Monsignor Howard Lincoln. "The church itself is sold out but we also have two locations we’ll be having a mass going on here at the same time a mass being celebrated in our hall.”
Monsignor explained that not all the same traditions will be back especially the ones for the kids.
“Normally we have alot of activities for the kids," said Monsignor Lincoln. "During my homily I would call kids up to the alter unfortunately we are not doing any of that and thats something we’re really going to miss.”
As families gear up to celebrate Easter weekend by pulling out the baskets and hiding the eggs, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends following its new safety guidelines to ensure everyone stays safe.
The CDC also recommended other steps to take:
- Egg hunts can be done outside while wearing masks and staying six feet apart
- Attend religious services virtually
- Prepare and deliver a meal to a neighbor
- Outdoor celebrations are safer than indoor celebrations
If you are fully vaccinated, the CDC advises that you gather indoors without wearing a mask, but encourage social distance and wear a mask with others that aren't vaccinated.
There is a Saturday family easter egg event in from Palm Springs Parks and Recreation. Families have to register and the hunt comes to you.
It is from 7:30-9:30pm and costs $10 to make a reservation call (760) 323-8272 or email recinfo@palmspringsca.gov
