PLACES of worship have been among those hit hard by COVID-19 restrictions.
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However, the good news is the NSW government decided on Friday that churches would be included in having more restrictions eased.
This means as of June 1, churches can now have 20 people attend weddings, 50 at funerals and 50 at places of worship.
It's been a difficult time for all denominations, who typically, in a time of crisis, are the place people congregate for comfort and support.
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However, as has been seen across the country and the world, many have found new ways to ensure their parish is still supported.
Father Anthony Dunne from St Joseph's Catholic Church in Leeton trying to get the balance right through the pandemic had been challenging.
"It has been a delicate balance between being able to pray for God's help and protection during this pandemic with the minimal number of people allowed in the church by the restrictions (while) encouraging those most at risk ... to voluntarily stay home," he said.
"We have adopted some of the innovative initiatives of other churches and organisations in streaming Sunday and weekday masses online to our Leeton parish YouTube site.
"We have also updated our parish Facebook page for communication to parishioners and the wider community."
The full brunt of the restrictions were first felt in full measure during Easter, considered one of the most holiest times on the church calendar.
Fr Dunne said he also particularly felt for the families and friends who have had a loved one pass away during this period, as well as those who have had to change wedding plans.
With 50 people now allowed inside places of worship, Fr Dunne said the church would be adhering to all of the strict measures that have already been in place while welcoming 10 parishioners inside.
He was hopeful the community would start to return to church and realise the value a vibrant church can have.
However, he was mindful there would be some who would still opt to stay home and protect their health at this time.
"While our income is about 25 per cent of normal, we are extremely grateful to those people who have been continuing to contribute to the church financially, particularly since they themselves may be experiencing financial stress," Fr Dunne said.
"Personally, it has been a time of deeper prayer and reflection without a lot of the usual stress.
"It has also allowed me to catch up on some of those tasks that have been neglected for so long.
"I have attempted to exercise regularly to work off the extra calories that I have been eating since Easter Sunday in the form of chocolate."