GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — Local churches are trying to adapt to these abnormal times.
Some are now offering parking lot confessionals.
Channel 2 Gwinnett County bureau chief Tony Thomas went to St. Lawrence Church, where people are driving up for confession while practicing social distancing amid the coronavirus pandemic.
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The priest says this isn’t something they taught him in the seminary.
“My faith is the most important thing,” parishioner Weks Anyu-Chica said. “In times like this, this is what I think we need more than anything else.”
Chica did something almost unimaginable just days ago, confessing her sins to a priest from her own car.
“Our parishioners really miss coming to mass and we miss having them,” Father Mark Thomas said.
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The Priests at St. Lawrence Catholic Church began drive-thru confessions as a way for the church to maintain social distancing yet keep their faith.
After the long line of parishioners ended, Thomas approached Father Mark Thomas s to discuss the unusual practice.
“We certainly didn't go over anything like this at the seminary,” Father Mark Thomas said
Masses there are being livestreamed, but confessions needed a more personal touch. Every Monday and Wednesday evening now, one of the priests come outside for two hours of listening, and blessing.
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