Shafkat Anowar / AP
With the coronavirus having pushed many religious services to be either online-only or with limited capacity, we asked readers how the pandemic has affected their faith. Some answers have been condensed and lightly edited for clarity.
“It’s been hard not going to church. Watching on YouTube is not the same. However, my faith is my strength, and my Zoom small-group Bible studies have been a lifeline for my soul.”
— Brenda G. Whitson Marquis
“At first, it was so hard. I honestly can only think of two times in all my 77 years that I’ve missed Mass. And I’ve taught religious ed. for 24 years, so I truly missed being there. However, emailing, texting, Zooming and good old-fashioned letter-writing have kept me in touch with my class and fellow parishioners. After being fully vaccinated, I was able to return on Palm Sunday. I feel blessed.”