CHURCH SOCIAL TIPS
It seems there has never been a new year more globally anticipated than 2021 following the challenges associated with the pandemic. Efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19 shuttered businesses and churches, inspiring parishes to develop new online ways to connect with parishioners and practice the faith.
I wrote about some of the awesome ways parishes use social media and livestreaming to allow the faithful to participate in virtual celebrations of the Mass, sacraments and more. For years, many in the church had rebuffed the use of technology as a way to practice our faith. But minds and hearts have changed. Now, that the vaccine is rolling out and churches will eventually re-open, some online practices will and should be retained.
Among the blessings of this very difficult year past was having more time to read, reflect and pray, albeit online. Online options for actions that had only been available in-person have created habits that we now fold into our daily lives.
“So whoever is in Christ is a new creation: the old things have passed away; behold, new things have come.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)
As is the practice at the beginning of a new year, many of us will make resolutions to improve our spiritual life. This year, consider using technology to help you grow closer to God. Here are some things you can do in the year ahead from the palm of your hand or when you are on the go.
Use an online calendar to set a daily reminder for you to spend time with God.
Attend Mass daily online via your parish online or the cathedral Facebook page: facebook.com/HonoluluCathedralBasilica.
Pray the rosary daily. Many parishes offer an online recitation of the rosary. There are also apps you may download. The cathedral Facebook page also livestreams the rosary at 9 a.m. in English and at 10 p.m. in Latin. If you follow the cathedral page you will receive a notification when it starts.
Spend time in adoration. On YouTube, there are a number of Catholic parishes that stream eucharistic adoration including Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Florida that streams 24/7. Here’s a link for you to spend time with our Lord virtually — youtu.be/ziEGuB_lYpA.
Read the Bible in a year. Father Mike Schmitz of Ascension Press has launched a podcast to help you read the Bible in a year. Every day you will hear a passage followed by a short reflection from Father Schmitz. Each session is 20-25 minutes long. ascensionpress.com/pages/biy-registration
Download a Catholic app. Many provide common prayers and devotions. Some of my favorites are Hallow, Laudate and Magnificat. And, of course, the diocese offers MyParishApp.
Learn about our Hawaii saints. The Damien and Marianne Catholic Conference is offering a series of free webinars on the saints of Molokai. To register, visit their website: dmcc.org.
Lastly, every year I begin a “First Friday” novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. I simply go to Mass and receive Holy Communion with the intention of honoring Christ’s Sacred Heart for nine consecutive months. Each year I offer a specific intention for the novena and I grow closer to my Lord Jesus in doing so.
I hope these tools help you to design a personal plan for making and keeping your spiritual New Year’s resolutions.
Happy New Year!
Hayes-Peirce is a digital communications consultant based in California.
