Half of Canadians asked who practice their religion are eager for a return to in-person worship.

That’s according to a recent Angus Reid survey in light of a second Holy Week spent at home for many practicing Christians.

The study canvassed the views of 1,059 Canadian adults who attended religious services at least once per month pre-pandemic.

It found that many, about 49 per cent of respondents, long for a return to in-person worship. The pandemic has also had equal parts positive and negative impacts on respondent’s own spirituality.

According to Angus Reid. online services have been a lifeline for those craving contact with churches, temples and synagogues, with 77 per cent of those who regularly attended religious services before the pandemic struck having streamed online services.

Among the practices most severely limited under pandemic restrictions is Holy Communion. Just over half of all Roman Catholics asked say they miss it greatly.