Local faith communities are offering messages of hope this Easter.

As public health officials reiterate the importance of staying home and exercising social distancing, churches remain closed, forcing traditional Easter services to move online.

Local ministers understand these are difficult times and people are feeling anxious and uncertain.

Major Renee Loveless of the Salvation Army says while many things are cancelled, there is still reason for hope.

Hope is not cancelled says Major Loveless; this is still a time for love, to realize we are loved, and to love others.

Father Jonathan Rowe of St. Michael’s and All Angel’s Anglican Church in St. John’s says the story of Easter is the story of hope in the midst of despair.

He calls it the story of strength in the midst of weakness and life in the midst of death, which he believes are messages the world needs to hear now more than it has in a long time.