Virtual Mass

“Attending weekly mass is something I’ve done my whole life and I’ve really missed not going during this time. Watching mass online was a very easy thing to do and I really looked forward to it in the midst of the chaos happening in our world. I am very thankful that this was offered. It helped me feel a sense of normalcy and peace during a time of uncertainty.”

Lauren (Niemeier) Grossman ‘07

MASS GOES ONLINE

by Kendra Neumann

The last few months have been nothing shy of change and uncertainty. With the state going into quarantine due to the Covid-19 virus, all nonessential businesses started closing, including how parishioners worship. Father John Brosmer of St. Boniface Parish took this opportunity to provide a safe and unique way to still attend Mass.

Originally, Father John was not going to do a virtual Mass but saw several priests and members of the church doing virtual Rosary’s or prayers. Father John wanted to do something different than a traditional mass. He wanted to make it more of a Mass and the ritual itself. After a few weeks of doing the virtual Mass, he started to get comfortable and decided to add in music.

“I am not computer savvy but I am learning. With the virtual mass you want it to be personal and inclusive with the people. It was a challenge at first but now I don’t mind it. One of the things I miss the most is the community. I miss the people,” Father John said.

After the first virtual Mass, Father John knew it would be something he would get better at with time and he would watch the videos after each service concluded. He would look for things that he needed to improve on because he wanted to really connect with his parishioners even from a distance.

After each virtual service, Father John noticed he was receiving a great amount of positive feedback from the virtual Mass. There has been several people who want to see this option of Mass continued, especially with the older demographic and those who have compromised immune systems. Even as we slowly get back to “normal” there will be those who are not comfortable attending large gatherings.

“I want to be able to have it available for the residents on our website so they can watch mass whether they are home or even in a nursing home/ rehab facility,” Father John said.