After eight weeks of church closures, those of faith can now attend services while strictly adhering to the 10 person limit and the social distancing guidelines and safety measures.
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However during the lockdowns, many who were too busy to attend church services on the weekend have found themselves without an excuse to skip them.
With options abounding for online celebrations, churches in Tamworth have seen numbers soar.
The Anglican Church and Catholic Church groups have seen a resurgence of religious participation, which they say may be a testament to the hardships many are facing as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
St Peter's Anglican Senior Minister Rod Chiswell has been busy compiling online resources for his congregations, and said the uptake has been "excellent".
On the Catholic side, Father Chris Onuekwusi from St Nicholas East Tamworth said he had seen a "waking up" in people about what was important in life, especially in relation to religion, but said the church was missing the "community" of gatherings.
The Anglican Church has been prerecording a service each week, putting all the different elements of it together: sermon, music, readings, and premiering it on Sunday morning at 8am.
"We are getting our normal congregation who have enjoyed it, but we are also getting other people not connected to our church before having a look," Rvd Chiswell told the Leader.
"It's been really encouraging for us as well."
Alongside that, they are having regular Zoom meetings after the service, where the community can connect with one another and have a chat.
"It is important, as many cherish the social aspect of church just as much as the religious reverence.
"There is something about a physical gathering that is really important, and most are craving reconnecting at that personal level," he explained.
"From my point of view, [online] it's not the ideal way to do church. It is a good back up option and if we had the resources we would continue it to reach others."
There has been a renewal, a waking of some people up to their reality of what is important.
- Father Chris Onuekwusi
For Fr Onuekwusi, he has heard from his parishioners from St Nicholas East Tamworth have been enjoying a variety on offer thanks to the online surge.
"Parishioners call and tell me they've been to Rome that morning for mass at the Vatican, and masses from right across Australia," he said.
"It gives them opportunity to listen to homilies from different priests, not just one. I think many are are grateful fro the opportunity to do that."
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He is even seeing a resurgence in youth participation and engagement, as well as a broader trend of people turning back to the church.
"There has been a renewal, a waking of some people up to their reality of what is important," Fr Onuekwusi said.
"Having that connection with God is one of those things.
"I think now they have the opportunity to listen to mass online, something has woken up in them, especially in the younger generation."
