KROX Radio ran a story by Neil Carlson of iNewZ.TV that the Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church in Crookston held Easter Sunday service and showed a picture of a packed parking lot.
On KROX’s Facebook page, two members of the congregation said they were listening to the service on their phones while sitting in their cars and they had permission from law enforcement as long as they followed the guidelines set by the Governor. One comment said they went into the church 10 people at a time to receive communion and went back to their cars.
KROX confirmed the Crookston Police Department was contacted and gave approval. Crookston Police Chief Paul Biermaier said “Yes this church was given permission by me to conduct a service in the manner communicated to me last week. The MDH and State Government understands the importance of religious holidays and provided some guidance which included a “drive-in” type service as an option. The plan for Our Lady of Sorrows was to transmit the service through an FM type transmitter that could be heard in each vehicle. There were to be no more than 10 people in the Church at the same time to receive blessings, for confession, etc. Social distancing was to be practiced and disinfecting was to take place after each small group, probably a family, before the next small group came in. They were to enter one door, leave through another and go back to their cars. People were to remain in their cars during the service until ushered inside and then return to their vehicles and eventually leave the area. All of this fell within the guidelines set forth by the State of MN; church service option, social distancing, groups no larger than 10 people and disinfecting procedures.”
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