While a return to normalcy is still a while away, parts of the city are taking the first steps in that direction as churches within the Brooklyn Diocese are officially set to reopen.

For the first time since March 20, the Brooklyn Diocese has allowed churches to reopen their doors for private prayer and devotion.

Sister Loretta Marie Florio says at St. Fortunata on Linden Boulevard, they are taking every precaution possible.

She says things will look different, with hand sanitizer at the front door and masks required for everyone.

The pews will be sectioned off to ensure social distancing and ushers making sure everyone complies.

In addition to taping off some of the seating area, they've also taped off areas where there are candles and statues, things that people would commonly touch when entering the church.

They have been holding virtual Masses, but she says it doesn’t compare.

"It lacks something when you're not in community praying together and that's important for the congregation and the community,” says Sister Florio.

Only 10 people will be allowed in the church at a time and while they cannot celebrate Mass, Leticia Gonzalez says being able to enter the church is something they need, especially right now.

"Very important for us to come in and pray for our loved ones who in this corona 19 have passed away. We need the spiritual father into our lives,” says patron Gonzalez.

This is just phase one of the reopening process for the Brooklyn Diocese. Exemption from the obligation to attend Mass remains in effect.

The Archdiocese of New York has its own reopening plan for churches in the Bronx, but no word yet on an exact reopening date.