Livestream Masses Ensure We Pray Together, Even While Apart

A year ago, if you had asked most parishes in the United States if they had the ability to livestream their Masses, the answer would have been “no” — perhaps followed by, “Why would we do that?”

Yet, this past spring, as the world shut down in ways we couldn’t have imagined — including the pause of public Masses — priests and parish staff members across the country scrambled to create opportunities for people to continue to pray and be nourished by the celebration of the Eucharist, from the safety of their homes.

“We had about a day, at most, to make the decision to stream Masses, as the state shut down public worship,” says Director of Music Jeremy Korba. “The Cathedral wasn’t in a position with cameras mounted, so we figured out a way to make it work. We grabbed my Samsung Galaxy, and off we went.”

Since then, St. Benedict has livestreamed both Saturday Vigil, Sunday morning, and weekday Masses, available on our Facebook page. The celebration of the Rite of Christian Initiation with Bishop Joseph M. Siegel, as well as First Communions, also have been available via livestream.

“Anything that’s significant in the Cathedral, we try to livestream,” Jeremy says.

On Thursday evenings, Fr. Godfrey also livestreams “Cathedral Conversations,” a chance for him to share updates, respond to questions, and encourage people to stay engaged, even when they are unable to attend Mass regularly.

“It’s a way for him to tell the folks what’s going on, do updates, do some catechesis, and answer questions,” Jeremy says. “It’s another way for the parish community to come together.”

For many of our older parishioners, the livestream Mass was their first time using some of the available technology. Many people helped to ensure that our elderly population wasn’t left behind, and with the help of their children, grandchildren and staff members willing to answer questions, many found themselves able to connect in ways they couldn’t have imagined.

“The age group that was traditionally the least able to connect with technology, the older folks, are also the ones the most at risk of COVID,” Jeremy says. “But they’re also the ones who are fighting their way to see this stuff and participate. It’s been wonderful to see.”

The staff has noticed an increase in virtual Mass participation, from people who are exploring Catholicism for the first time, to those who didn’t regularly attend Sunday Mass, and are now regularly present for the livestream, as well as for people who never had the opportunity to regularly attend daily Mass, but now pray more often, along with the livestream.

“People are connecting more with their faith, in an easier ‘safe space,’ if you will,” Jeremy says. “It’s an easy and safe environment for them to kindle or rekindle a relationship with their faith and to maybe challenge themselves to learn more and engage. It’s a wonderful evangelization tool.”

Not only are the livestream Masses providing a point of connection for parishioners, but they are also serving to welcome others outside of our physical boundaries to worship with us.

“We have our regulars,” Jeremy says. “But every day, we seem to have somebody new from somewhere. We’ve had messages from folks around the world.”

As the parish has re-opened, those who are hesitant to come back often find themselves reassured by what they see on the livestream.

“We have people who have felt good with what they’ve seen online and they come and experience worship at the Cathedral,” Jeremy says. “People watching online are hearing our announcements every day, how to stay safe, and it’s making people feel like they want to come.”

We recently purchased and installed additional media equipment that will allow us to livestream Mass with better quality and consistency in the months to come. Jeremy hopes to train a techsavvy media ministry team to help ensure that we are able to continue to share these gifts with our parish and the broader community.

Above all, Jeremy prays that the efforts to host the livestream Mass will bring people closer to God and remind them of His faithfulness in uncertain times.

“My hope is that they’re fed spiritually and emotionally, that they’re comforted,” Jeremy says. “It’s not just a matter of watching Mass on TV from a random place — for many, it’s their home. It gives people a sense of comfort and hope.”

If you would like more information on how you can support the effort of our parish in livestreaming Masses — whether by financial contribution to support the necessary equipment, or by being involved in the media ministry — please contact Jeremy Korba at jkorba@evdio.org or 812-589-3886. Visit our website for up-to-date information on the livestream Mass schedule at www.saintbenedictcathedral.org

Since the beginning of the pandemic, St. Benedict Cathedral Parish has been inviting our community to share in the liturgy through livestream Masses.