Church services around the country today will be done virtually as worshippers reacquaint themselves with a Sunday sermon from their lounge room.
People may take the chance to engage with God themselves rather than watch a screen, a Catholic church spokesman says. Photo: 123RF
Father John O'Connor from the Catholic Church said people should spend their Sunday worshipping in whatever way they felt most comfortable.
"There are a whole variety of online resources for people who are seeking to grow in relationship with God. It includes reflections on readings, suggestions of different ways of praying.
"I know that some parishes are offering live streamed Masses, and whereas they were popular last year, it seems that people are taking the chance to really engage with God themselves, rather than to watch someone else on a screen doing that.
"I think always with live streaming there's a sense of being at a distance and while some people find it very helpful, that's great.
"Many others are finding it helpful to just take time for prayer themselves or with their families, or those who are in their bubble."
He said people were finding it more fulfilling to Zoom call with two or three people close to them.
"Sunday, for 2000 years for Christians, has been the day of worship and it's not an isolated activity but even if we, for whatever reason, whether it be lockdown or sickness or distance... we are still connected with the community remembering that when we pray, we're never alone.
"When we pray, we're connected with God and with every other praying person."
A spokesperson from the Salvation Army said while a livestream was not the same as being side by side at church it wanted to try and help those who feel lonely at this time.
A livestream is available through its website.