Doncaster church is using technology to reach more people

St Peter’s in Chains is a Catholic church in the town centre which reopened for public mass on July 5 after hosting online-only services for the past three months.

Father Darren Reid has been hosting a daily mass and live streaming it from the churches Youtube channel.

He said: “We have been very busy throughout Covid-19.

“We had to learn how to use technology and skills so that we could reach our people when they were at home.

“It has gone very well, we have had around a hundred people in each session and have reached people as far as Florida.”

Father Darren says that the increase in people attending services may be due to the long period of reflection many have had during the lockdown.

He said: “Many people who do not come to church regularly have had time to think about their existence and what is really important to them.

“They have had more spare time to come to our virtual services and think about religions place in their lives.”

The church is now open for services but there are social distancing measures in place, stickers on the floor and people also need to book in advance for a seat at mass.

However, the church has been open for private prayer for the last two weeks.

“The first mass was a success even though it felt very different,” he continued.

“The service was about half the length it normally would be and we cannot sing hymns but it went smoothly.”

Singing has been prohibited as it could be a potential way to spread Covid-19, the church has replaced singing with instrumental music where possible.

During Covid-19 the church has kept in contact with one another through a lively Whatsapp group which has enabled them to coordinate volunteers who have been rining the elderly in the community who had been isolating.

If you want to visit the church you must book a place by visiting [email protected] or call 01302 342068.

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