Local church service video shows priest serving communion without mask, gloves

BOONE, N.C. — Video that shows a priest in Boone serving communion to dozens of parishioners without a mask -- and it does not appear he has gloves on either -- has prompted concerns about the possible spread of COVID-19 at that church.

Channel 9's Dave Faherty reached out to the Charlotte Diocese after a member of the St. Elizabeth of the Hill Country Catholic Church congregation alerted him to the video.

>> Have questions about the coronavirus pandemic and its impact on the Carolinas? We have an entire section dedicated to coverage of the outbreak -- CLICK HERE FOR MORE.

Church members told Channel 9 they want to return to mass but after watching the service online they are hesitant to come back.

St. Elizabeth of the Hill Country Catholic Church in Boone held four masses over the weekend. In each of the services posted on their website, viewers could clearly see the priest holding communion hosts while not wearing a mask. He repeatedly reaches into the chalice and places wafers into the mouths or into the hands of church members, which alarmed some members who were watching from home.

“I was absolutely shocked that the social distancing is not happening and that if one single person happens to be sick that’s going to infect everybody," said one church member, who did not want to be identified.

According to its website, the Diocese of Charlotte is allowing indoor masses while also encouraging members to stay 6 feet apart and wear face coverings when possible.

Channel 9 watched all four masses at St Elizabeth’s this past weekend and counted 113 people receiving communion. Several Boone residents said they are concerned after seeing the images.

“I don’t think that is very safe to be doing that right now,” said Julia Yount. “Especially because people can be asymptomatic.”

>> We’ll bring you LIVE updates on Channel 9 Eyewitness News. Get extended coverage on the free WSOC Now app on Roku, Amazon Fire and Apple TV.

“There’s certainly a more sanitary way they can do it where you can have separate cups,” added another neighbor, Robert Baker.

The Diocese of Charlotte said guidelines are in place which asks priests to wear masks during communion. They’ve also been instructed to sanitize their hands between household groups and encourage church members to wear masks on their way to communion.

The priests have also been instructed on how to place wafers into mouths or into someone’s hands. Currently, the church is encouraging members to take communion by hand.

Late Tuesday afternoon the Diocese of Charlotte sent the following response to the communion service in Boone.

[LINK: Read letter from Diocese of Charlotte]

“The Diocese of Charlotte has issued guidance to all of our parishes to protect the physical health and well-being of our Church family and the wider community. These protective measures are in line with public health directives to reduce the risk of community spread of the coronavirus and reassure parishioners as they return to Mass. Protections include reduced capacity and social distancing at Masses, the use of face masks whenever possible, and frequent cleaning and sanitizing protocols – particularly during the distribution of Communion. Each pastor may use discretion in applying this guidance for their particular circumstances, and is expected to exercise prudence as churches slowly and carefully reopen for public worship. People who are ill or vulnerable to infection are strongly encouraged to stay at home and attend Mass virtually on TV or streamed live online.”

Churches received a temporary restraining order last month allowing them to resume indoor services. The governor didn’t appeal the ruling but urged churches to still follow health guidelines like limiting large groups and social distancing.

Local developmental center to test all residents, employees for COVID-19 Local developmental center to test all residents, employees for COVID-19

© 2020 Cox Media Group