For many Christians, this weekend marks the first time in three years they will gather in person to celebrate Easter Sunday, a welcome chance to share one of the faith’s holiest days side-by-side with fellow parishioners.

Watch the Holy Saturday Easter Vigil at Detroit’s Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament on April 16th, 2022.

One difference: The earlier version discussed opening in stages, such as video streaming and drive-in services, with later phases allowing in-person gatherings limited in size and with social distancing. Among the California pastors leading the call for resuming in-person gathering is Danny Carroll of Water of Life Community Church in Fontana. State officials dont understand that people of faith need contact, that they need to worship together, Carroll said in an interview. An evangelical pastor whos been a key Trump backer, Jack Graham, plans to reopen his Texas megachurch on Pentecost weekend. The momentum toward restarting in-person worship comes amid new reports of church gatherings spreading COVID-19.