BEAUMONT, Texas — One Southeast Texas priest is determined to connect with his parishioners amid the COVID-19 outbreak, and he's doing it all while social distancing.
Like many other parishes across the nation, in person masses have been suspended for the Diocese of Beaumont.
Since people can't go to church, Father Andy Moore is bringing church to them. He doesn't even have to leave his car.
He's the priest for the Catholic church in Lumberton and Silsbee. It's been three weeks since they've had mass in person.
There's no doubt the times are difficult.
RELATED: Diocese of Beaumont suspending services, including Holy Week and Easter amid coronavirus concerns
"We’re streaming our services online on Facebook like a lot of people are," Moore said.
But he says nothing beats being present with the congregation.
"It’s so difficult with all the restrictions, and everyone’s doing whatever they can because this is a time for us to come together," Moore said.
He's blessed 150 homes so far without stepping out of his car.
"To actually bring the consecrated host, to bring our Eucharistic Lord to the people and ask his blessing on them, on their families on their home, especially in this difficult time is something I thought was important to do," Moore said.
Prayer can be a powerful thing, even at a distance. Times may be tough, but Father Moore knows Southeast Texas can weather the storm.
"In Southeast Texas we know what emergencies are with hurricanes and things like that, this is on a much bigger scale, it’s a worldwide scale," Moore said. "But we know we’re gonna get through it, we have to just continue to stay together and help each other and be as positive and supportive as we can."
He will continue to visit his parishioners on Friday. For now, you can find a schedule for online masses at DioceseofBmt.org.
