SAN GABRIEL, Calif. — Sunday was a special day for Father Matt Wheeler of St. Anthony's Catholic Church in San Gabriel.

Not only was it his birthday, but the Sunday marked the first morning he was able to get ready for mass once again — that is, mass in-person, indoors and in the church at full capacity.

“I underestimated how happy I would be returning to the church," Wheeler said. "I celebrated my first service Saturday, and there was a great sense of peace."

While Wheeler has been serving at St. Anthony's parish since he was first ordained back in 2018, the church — along with over 300 others in the Los Angeles Archdiocese — were finally able to celebrate mass free of almost every COVID-19 restriction this weekend.

“Our Catholic faith is very tangible, so the last year was very difficult" Wheeler said. "Now that we’re back inside, in many ways the restrictions have been lifted or removed.”

During the week, Archbishop Jose Gomez issued new guidance for member churches.

Over the last year, parishioners were unable to sing during worship, masses were held at a distance or outdoors, the practice of Holy Communion was restricted and churches were not able to participate in collecting donations or exchanging the sign of peace during masses.

"We would sing in our hearts as loud as we want," Wheeler said with a laugh. "But there were several changes. The reason was to avoid spreading the transmission of any viruses."

But as California reopened free of COVID-19 protocols, so too did the Archdiocese. Members of the church were able to come in, sit down and even take off their masks if fully vaccinated.

For those in attendance, like Antonio and Blanca Fernandez, it was like a homecoming.

“We wanted to be able to give thanks in a place you feel like is your home," Blanca said. "And being away from it for a full year, it was like you were homeless.”

But on Sunday, they were given reason to celebrate — being back in church and on Father's Day as well.

“It’s been a tough year for us losing my father this year," Antonio said. "But it’s great to be back here and celebrate with them.”

It was a chance to remember loved ones lost and to be comforted in their place of worship.

“We try to just make the best," Blanca said with her children around them. "We have our faith, and he would have been really happy knowing we’re celebrating today for him.”