My church is still open for PRIVATE prayer on an individual basis. Church SERVICES or any type of public gathering together has been completely suspended. No liturgical mass, prayer service, or holy communion of any kind.
If they can pack 'em in to wait in line to get booze and weed in Illinois, you'd think they could have SOME type of ability for people to receive the Eucharist. The Catholic Church has even had Presanctified communion for many centuries (this is usually done on Good Friday), where the communion has been concentrated by a priest IN ADVANCE, and he need not be present to distribute it among the people.
Though the fact there is no Communion available is probably more the fault of Catholic bishops than the Illinois state government, IMO. So you are essentially correct that they don't "have to" ban people from praying together or receiving holy communion.
Yes we had worship here in California and we are “shelter in place.”
It was outside. All household units took folding chairs and sat at least six feet from each other. Smart phones were used as hymnals, no passing of books. No passing of offering plate.
Communion was preset in little cups. One household at a time when up to take it and sat back down. When we we were all so served we partook.
As far as I know no laws were broken and we worshipped God bu gathering together as commanded. I had a wonderful time.
Churches, you can do this.
My mom was in some kind of virtual mass the Cardinal did, it was done of Friday but I guess it streamed this morning.