The Importance of In-Person Singing

For many churches, this weekend will include a milestone on the path back to normalcy after a devastating pandemic: the first in-person Easter services with congregational singing. In 2020, most churches were entirely virtual for Easter, which took place mere weeks after COVID-19 hit American shores. Last year, in-person services were relatively common, but some churches still had music-related restrictions in place. Although music leaders generally supported the safety precautions, they're looking forward to this weekend's group singing with glee. For Christians, Easter services are supposed to be a big celebration. In the past two years, it was tough to make them feel that way, said Joan Figley, music director for St. Walter Catholic Church in Roselle, Illinois.