Churches making adjustments for Easter weekend celebrations due to COVID-19

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Many churchgoers across Mid-Missouri will likely celebrate Easter from home this weekend amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Gov. Mike Parson's stay-at-home order makes it difficult for churches to hold their regular services.

Helen Osman, spokeswoman for the Diocese in Jefferson City, said about 60% of the diocese's services have shifted online with the church hoping to add more in the coming weeks.

Cooper and Phelps counties have also been advocates for staying at home for Easter festivities. Both shared Facebook posts encouraging those to stay home using the hashtag "Stay and Pray."

Both posts urged people to opt to stay home and view televised or virtual services to avoid gathering in public and in-person services.

The CDC has also released guidelines for community and faith-based leaders. The website urges any area with even a minimal spread of COVID-19 to cancel or modify all in-person group activities.

The CDC also urges people to notify public health officials if they believe someone within their organization or facility is sick.

Osman said she has received an overwhelming amount of positive feedback about their online services and is hoping to see even more involvement this weekend.

She also spoke of the importance of seeing familiar faces.

"The fact that they can see their own pastor, they can hear him, they can participate knowing their parishioners are also participating in the service really means a lot to people," Osman said.