CINCINNATI, Ohio- “We just miss it. It’s just a part of us, a part of our family, and it will be exciting to get back to the actual church,” said Kelly Stolly, a St. Gerard parishioner.

The St. Gerard Parish is home to Kelly Stolly and her family, who have been part of the church for twenty plus years.

For about two months now, Ohio parishes have been closed and have offered streaming services to their parishioners. But by the end of May, many of them will be re-opening.

“I’m not afraid to go back; my family is not afraid to go back, but I think people just have to use their own judgment, and I know our parish and priest has really stressed that,” said Stolly

And that’s the sentiment of many priests across the state.

The Archdiocese of Cincinnati Media Relations Director Jennifer Schack says while they’re looking forward to re-opening the area parishes, they don’t want parishioners to think they are obligated to return right away.

“We want to welcome people back to mass who are healthy and who will be abiding by these guidelines, but by no means do you feel like you need to come,” said Schack.

Many parishes within the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, the Diocese of Columbus, and the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland plan to re-open their doors for mass services the week of May 25.

And while doing so, they are making sure to abide by the state’s COVID-19 safety guidelines to keep everyone safe.

That means six feet of distancing between families,  wearing masks, blocking off pews, and fewer people for each service. Overall many parishes say they are excited to open back up.

“This is something that the faith was asking for; this is something that we want to provide. This is what our faith is,” said Schack. “So it’s essential to get back in as soon as possible, but it’s also for the common good and essential that it is done the right way.”

There is no word on when the churches will fully re-open. But Schack says she believes these safety guidelines will be implemented until the end of the summer.