Parishes across the Diocese of Buffalo are preparing for Palm Sunday, followed by the rest of Holy Week leading up to Easter. But because of COVID-19 and with regular Masses canceled, area churches are discovering ways to still stay connected during this time of social distancing.

St. James Pastor Darrell Duffy now refers to as his empty church as his studio, as he now connects with parishioners during Mass through his iPhone and Zoom.

"The first few times was a little odd. The parishioners can see each other. They can see faces. And that's just so important right now," said Father Duffy.

"This is all new to me. It is definitely different in the way in which you know, I view myself. And I'm still working on trying to get the bugs out of how to incorporate the people as best I can," said Father Todd Remick, pastor at St. Mary of Lourdes Parish in Bemus Point.

Father Remick is also using Zoom now as he and Duffy weighed all the options after regular Masses were canceled to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

"It was very sad, disappointing that, you know, normally we'd have the people here and to have that inner-connection with each other through the dialogue of the service. It was hard to take," said Remick.

"It really was heart-breaking. It was extremely difficult. Actually there was a few times I had to stop to compose myself," said Duffy.

Both Duffy and Remick are now preparing for a non-traditional Palm Sunday Mass without palms, as well as Holy Week, complete with shortened readings.

And while the pews are empty, both say parishioners will be spiritually present, especially on Good Friday and Easter Sunday.

"It's very strange. Very challenging. The big thing is not having the congregation here with me at my daily Masses and having it at the weekend services as well," said Remick.

"I won't be able to sprinkle all the people with holy water. People are going through some very difficult things, especially now. And they need to hear the message of hope. Yes it hurts. You're not alone. And we will get through this, we'll get through this together as a faith community," said Duffy.