Livestream Life

New research released in April by the Pew Research Center found that about 40 percent of Catholics continue to watch Mass online, despite a recent lifting of mask mandates and other loosening restrictions around Covid-19. This statistic tracks closely with our own data about livestream attendance here at St. Ignatius Parish. For most, it’s been a wonderful, even radical, experiment. My guess, though, is that many have also experienced a sense of frustration or disappointment at times – both technologically and and spiritually. Since the pandemic began, there have been numerous opinions shared on the op-ed pages of national newspapers lauding or denouncing the Mass in livestream. Today, though, I would like to address directly some of the technological shortcomings we continue to hear about from many of who, and offer some clues as to how we’re hoping to fix them.

When  the Covid-19 pandemic hit more than two years ago, St. Ignatius Parish was proudly one of the first Catholic churches to livestream Mass. Today, St. Ignatius is one of only a handful of Catholic churches nationwide that produce a sophisticated, multi-camera simulcast on three distinct channels – our website, YouTube and Facebook. This is carried out each week by a team of dedicated staff professionals monitoring network connections, cameras, mics, speakers, sound levels, color, and broadcast to all channels, seven days a week, navigating any problems that need troubleshooting. Our camera inside the church has been broadcasting  24/7, give or take, for over two years. 

The ability to broadcast at this level of quality comes down to one thing - the dollars you’ve put not just to the regular offertory on Sunday, but by those of you who have given or are considering giving to the Preservation and Promise campaign. Funds from this campaign have already helped us source new equipment, including cameras, a control room and the ability to train up staff on how to produce a Mass broadcast. We couldn't do that without your support for the campaign. 

Meanwhile, we respectfully ask for your patience as these upgrades take place. There will undoubtedly be disruptions on YouTube, Facebook and our website player in the coming weeks. We will continue to troubleshoot them, and, with some help from the Holy Spirit, continue to provide you all with access to Mass from wherever you may be. 

Pro-Tip #1: The best way to access the livestream on any day is here on the website. 

Pro-Tip #2: If you’re having trouble hearing, check the sound settings on your computer

Pro-Tip #3: If nothing else works, restart your computer

Pro-Tip #4: If you are still unable to access the livestream, please email [email protected] with the word “LIVESTREAM” in the subject line

Thanks so much for connecting with us both here in the church and online.

With gratitude,

Robert Nolan
Director of Communications