The Rev. Joseph Gifford of All Saints Catholic Church in Lakeville addressed the importance of social distancing during Mass in a recent video posted the parish's Facebook page. 

"Recently, I was made the COVID-19 liturgies preparedness plan coordinator," Gifford said in the video. "And with that, I'm given the opportunity to help strike a balance here at our parish . . . making sure everyone is safe and protections are put in place while here at Mass."

While All Saints is "still respecting reverence that is necessary for celebrating the Mass," Gifford said, he urges people to come back to the church.

"In order to strike this balance, many things have had to happen," Gifford said. "And at this time, I would like to ask you for your help. As part of the help you can give, I need a couple of things. One, I need people back in Mass. I want to thank many of you who have been able to come back." 

Gifford's other request of parishioners was to spread the word among the congregation that the church is celebrating Mass once more.