A Case Study of the Impact of Covid-19 Pandemic on Church Activities in the Catholic Diocese of Damongo in the Savannah Region of Ghana

Abstract

Since the emergence of the Covid-19 virus, the world has changed in almost all spheres. Economies, transportation, health, commerce, tourism, education, hospitality, employment, agriculture, religion, among others have all been significantly impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. The overarching goal of the study was to explore the impact of Covid-19 on church activities in the Catholic diocese of Damongo in the Savannah region of Ghana. Thus, the study explored the perceptions of Catholic priests in Damongo diocese about the Covid-19 pandemic, examined the impact of Covid-19 pandemic on church activities in the various parishes as well as sought to gain some insights into the strategies priests in the various parishes adopted to cope with the implications of the Covid-19 pandemic. Using a qualitative case design, sixteen (16) priests from all the parishes in the Catholic diocese of Damongo were purposively selected and interviewed. The data was analyzed thematically. The findings revealed competing perceptions about the Covid-19 pandemic among priests in the diocese. The findings also showed that the impact of Covid-19 on church activities in the diocese of Damongo has been severe. Among other things, finances of parishes diminished, church attendance declined, and the faith of parishioners was put to the test during the pandemic. Yet, parishes also learned new ways of evangelizing during the pandemic, namely through digitalization. Survival was a major challenge for parishes during the pandemic. Priests resorted to God for protection. Lay associations and societies were appealed to for donations. Digital platforms were adopted to facilitate evangelization. Based on the findings, the study recommended that parishes should be pastorally proactive, invest in other sustainable ventures, and use accrued funds judiciously. The study further recommended that a self-reliance drive which the diocese initiated in the past be upheld and parishes should explore modern digital means of reaching out to the community of faithful across the diocese of Damongo. Keywords: Covid-19 Pandemic, Impact, Church Activities, Catholic Diocese, Damongo, Savanah Region, Ghana DOI: 10.7176/EJBM/14-5-03 Publication date: March 31 st 2022