Blessed are the Zoomers
The coronavirus has seen a growing number of lapsed, irregular and curious churchgoers join a congregation using online technology.
By dipping their toes in digital worship, people can enter a church discretely before making a commitment with their feet, said Sydney Catholic Schools ’ chaplain, Father Gary Perritt.
“It’s a big thing if you haven’t been to Church for two, five, 20 years,” Fr Gary said.
“For some people to physically step through the door and start going to Mass again may be frightening. They may not have a sense of what to do, or may feel they will be judged.”
Fr Gary said online Masses have also opened up the doors of churches to people who are sick, aged, and young families with children who aren’t always able to attend for practical reasons, for example their child is sleeping.
“The Archbishop’s Easter Sunday ceremony at St Mary’s Cathedral was watched by over a million people – the Cathedral, if it’s full, holds less than a thousand,” Fr Gary said.
“Zoom is a great innovation and a great support for priests working in these strange times” – Father Gary Perritt
He is hopeful that now churches in the Archdiocese of Sydney have re-opened, more parishioners than ever will attend Masses physically as well. This includes those who have had their curiosity piqued during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It calls on the regulars to welcome and go out of their way to include them. To speak to them, to say ‘Hello, I’ve not seen you here before’,” he gently reminded. “Your welcome can do wonders for the practising of their faith,” Fr Gary said.
Sydney Catholic Schools’ chaplain Father Gary Perritt. Photo: Kitty Beale
Currently churches may have up to 50 …
