Broadcast Ministry Brings All into the Celebration of Mass

Television Masses have been commonplace for many Catholic dioceses, across our country, for many years. Until the onset of COVID-19, most of us probably hadn’t watched them much at all, if just on an occasional Sunday.

But when the COVID-19 pandemic left church doors shuttered, a dedicated group at St. Peter jumped in to be sure all of us could watch the weekend Mass celebrated in our parish. Beginning in March 2020, a group of parishioners started recording daily and weekend Masses and uploading them to the parish website, cospq.org. Music Director Monica Scholz says that by July 2020, the team realized people enjoyed watching Mass and they had a dedicated following.

“Fr. Leo proposed investing in a professional broadcast system, enabling us to offer Mass online not only during the pandemic but moving forward into the future,” Monica says.

Bill Mays assists with the Broadcast Ministry.

The inability to attend Mass was particularly hard on some parishioners. Those who had been attending daily Mass missed the connection with others and, of course, the Eucharist. Seeing the inside of St. Peter with Mass being offered was one way to help. And since some people remain cautious about gathering at Mass, this ministry is still important. This will continue to be a part of our Mass offerings, beyond the pandemic.

“We wanted our parishioners to feel that they were still a part of our parish and to have a connection with us, even though they were not able to celebrate the Eucharist together as a community,” Monica says.

For the initial setup of the production equipment, a company called Music Makers was hired. The three-camera system, video switcher, and audio mixing systems were recommended and, ultimately, purchased because they can all be operated by parishioners. Masses and events can be livestreamed or recorded to download later.

Even after the threat of the pandemic has passed, the plan is to record one or two weekend Masses, some school Masses, and some church events.

One unexpected result of the new Broadcast Ministry was the impact on new volunteers — some who had never found a good fit to give of their talents at St. Peter have volunteered for this ministry. This ministry requires some training, and it can be very rewarding for those who are involved.

“It gives everyone a sense of pride to be able to post something that is so meaningful to our parish,” Monica says.

All are welcome in this ministry, and more volunteers are needed to make the broadcast Mass even more meaningful to parishioners. New volunteers go through training and learn alongside current ministry members. Those interested in finding out more about the St. Peter Broadcast Ministry may contact Monica Scholz at m.scholz@cospq.org or 217-214-0131.