There is little doubt that for the faithful, prayer has been needed and wanted more than ever in recent times.
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Unfortunately the one place where people can go to connect with their faith and find solace in a higher power has been restricted.
The ability to attend church has been one of the many freedoms in society that has been cut-off during the height of COVID-19 restrictions.
But with an easing of restrictions on June 1 church leaders and their congregations are breathing a sigh of relief.
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Southern Highlands-based priest Fr Sean Cullen welcomes the easing of restrictions, describing the return of worshipping in church as "just what is needed".
Fr Sean, who is part of the Wollongong Dioscese and oversees both St Michael's Catholic Church in Mittagong and St Thomas Aquinas in Bowral, has had to make some service modifications.
But as far as he is concerned the return to some semblance of normal worship is a welcome relief for his church community.
"Last week there was an announcement of the re-opening of pubs for up to 50 people, but no allowance was made for churches," he said.
"Fortunately that changed and we are happy about that.
"We have had a lot of inquiry about when Mass would resume."
Under the current restrictions Mass will only be offered at St Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Bowral as it is large enough to accommodate 50 worshippers while still meeting the guidelines.
"There will be no mass at St Michael's at the moment as the church is not large enough," he said.
However, in an effort to ensure more people can attend mass Fr Sean has introduced additional services at St Thomas Aquinas.
The first mass will be a vigil held on June 6 from 5pm.
Sunday masses will return on June 7 with services at 7.30am, 9am, 10.30am, 12 midday and 1.30pm.
Fr Sean said those keen to attend any of the services would need to make a prior booking at the parish office in Bowral.
Ultimately the church will have room for a maximum of 50 worshippers plus those involved in helping to deliver the mass, including the readers, altar servers, a small contingent for music, and of course Fr Sean.
There will be markers on the pews to ensure physical distance requirements are maintained.
Fr Sean said the eucharist would include the host only as no communion could be taken from the chalice.
He said placing the host on a person's tongue was also not permissible under current regulations.
Also missing from the church for the foreseeable future will be the holy water at the entrance.
If you would like to book in to attend any one of the services you can call Kate at the Parish office on 4861 1902.
