CHARLTON, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — Despite being closed to worshipers due to the coronavirus pandemic, St. Joseph Catholic Church on H. Putnam Road Extension offered its parishioners drive-thru blessings over the weekend.
Worshipers waited in their cars in the church's driveway as ushers guided them one-by-one to the portico. The occupants of each car then walked to a window near the church entrance and received a blessing from Rev. Robert Grattaroti.
(St. Joseph Catholic Church)
Grattaroti, affectionately known as "Father Bob," also blew kisses and gave virtual hugs.
"It was a way of staying in contact with the community, telling them that God is still with us, while being separate," said Grattaroti.
Nearly 200 parishioners arrived to take part in the drive-thru blessings; some left with tears in their eyes.
St. Joseph's and other churches around Massachusetts have stopped holding services to promote social distancing and curtail the spread of COVID-19, so the drive-thru blessings will likely continue going forward.
"It depends," said Grattaroti. "If it works, it works, we'll continue it. If the Lord calls us to do it and people want it."
WBZ's Kim Tunnicliffe (@KimWBZ) reports.
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