New research in April by the Pew Research Center recently 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.
Over the past few weeks here at St. Ignatius, our parish has been blessed to bear witness to many of our fellow parishioners who have celebrated their Sacraments of Initiation. For those of us who have been present during what amount to public professions of faith, these moments have been moving and reminiscent of other sacramental celebrations experienced both by ourselves and by those we love.