Steve Beaulieu, of New Auburn, prays after settling into his pew before Mass at the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul in Lewiston early Monday morning. It is the first time Mass has been celebrated there in months. Beaulieu has never been to the basilica before, despite living close for many years. He came because he missed going and doesn't have internet at home so hasn't been able to attend any services online.
The Rev. Daniel Greenleaf, the pastor of the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, greets worshippers at the door as they check in at the church in Lewiston for the 7 a.m. Mass. Monday morning was the first in-person service in more than two months. Only 50 people are allowed inside the church at a time.
Parishioners sat multiple pews apart for the half hour Mass that included Holy Communion, and had to sign up ahead of time to be able to attend.
The Rev. Daniel Greenleaf, right, and the Rev. Johnson Sacreties use hand sanitizer before giving out holy Communion to parishioners at the first in-person Mass in over two months.
The Rev. Daniel Greenleaf gives Holy Communion to a nun at the Basilica in Lewiston.
From right, Lisa Daigle, director of faith formation, and Jim Begin and Kevin Lombardi, who both work in property management and maintenance, disinfect the pews at the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul after Mass. The church will be cleaned after every service.
Joline Laliberte disinfects pews at the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul. A special machine was purchased for sanitizing over a month ago, but still hasn't arrived, so until it does, employees will do it by hand.
Jim Begin disinfects the railing outside of the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul after Mass Monday morning.
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