Parishioners attend mass at Saint Mary of the Lake Catholic Church in Buena Park
Parishioners attend Mass on Dec. 29, 2021, at Saint Mary of the Lake Catholic Church in Buena Park. Nearly two years after the arrival of the COVID-19 virus, Chicago area Catholic parishes are facing declining attendance, despite the city's churches being fully reopened this holiday season. But for church leaders like the Rev. Manuel Dorantes, pastor of Saint Mary of the Lake Catholic Church, pandemic era hardships provide an opportunity to re-engage with the community, including everything from expanding charitable programs for those in need, to providing COVID vaccines to local residents.