CHURCH SOCIAL TIPS
Now that churches are reopening, the expectation of so many in parish leadership is that things will simply return to normal. We are a nation that remains divided on how to deal with COVID-19 and as such many Catholics have an expectation of choice regarding how they experience Mass safely.
While many parishes were “baptized by fire” when launching Masses online via Facebook and Instagram Live, Livestream, Vimeo or other established platforms, based upon their budget, knowledge level or staffing, in order to connect with parishioners, others stuck to traditional modes of communication. Now, with restrictions being lifted, some are fearful that the plug may be pulled on the daily or Sunday online Masses that connected them to Christ and the community for a year and a half.
“Technology will never be a substitute for community, but technology is at its best when it empowers communities.” (Sheryl Sandberg, COO Facebook)
In recent Facebook Live webinars on using technology to reach faith-based communities, Bishop Robert Barron and Pope Francis’ biographer Austen Ivereigh asserted that technology is a powerful tool for sharing the Gospel and connecting our Catholic communities. An example of this happened in May, Mary’s month, when we were invited to pray the rosary as a global community, our prayers being streamed from cathedrals around the world.
“We must move from a passive experience to an immersive one.” (Austen Ivereigh)
Discussions are already emerging that the “new normal” will be a hybrid of the in-person and online experience. Here in the Diocese of Honolulu, Bishop Larry Silva has ended his dispensation from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass to draw people back to an in-person and indoor Mass experience while encouraging a continuation of online Masses for those who have a legitimate health reason not to come to church.
As parishes discern how they will emerge from the pandemic, a discussion is needed about how to engage members beyond the traditional means of emails, websites and bulletins. Digital engagement is now expected! Parishioners want to see parish life chronicled on social media and interaction in the comments of the online Mass. They want to serve as digital disciples too.
During quarantine, I wrote about parishes that did a great job engaging members via social media. Some of the most effective users were young priests. Others in leadership roles collaborated with social-media-savvy members to design digital messaging that resonated and kept the community connected.
Unfortunately, parishes that did not connect in these new ways may have lost connection (and offertory dollars). Diocesan leaders are beginning to provide tools, training and support to parishes that need help designing digital engagement strategies.
“What we resist persists” (Carl Jung)
This will be a difficult time for those who struggle with change, but those leaders who have a “That’s the way we’ve always done it” mentality threaten the future of parishes. Some of the things done the old way will remain, but they must be reimagined to amplify the reach of your parish.
So many have become accustomed to doing things in more convenient ways. For example, the offertory collection remains. We still give parishioners the traditional option of dropping an envelope in the basket at Mass, but now they can also give contributions online.
In a recent webinar one of the presenters said, “If God brings you to it, he brings you through it.” So, pray for the courage and strength to navigate your faith journey in this new era of a post-pandemic church.
Do you have questions about the best way to incorporate technology into your church practices? What have been your parish’s success stories in that area? Write to Sherry Hayes-Peirce at shayes-peirce@rcchawaii.org for potential publication and response.