Is an ‘online mass’ valid for someone watching?

 

During the dystopian period known as the ‘covid years’ online worship became a norm in many parishes. While priests celebrated on their own in front of a camera a significant number of persons were tuned in to watch.  In other cases, online worship was conducted over Zoom with a leader leading a service of prayer or meditation by sharing slides or music.  For sure, these temporary measures were very useful in connecting people and providing an opportunity for all of us to stay together albeit virtually.  We got through that experience.  Unfortunately, some got out of the practice of going to church while others continue to be incapacitated by reason of physical mobility or, indeed, lack of an opportunity to join other Christians in the celebration of the eucharist because of long distances and lack of available ordained ministers.

Online worship including virtual participation in the Mass is a wholesome practice when the ‘real presence’ of people gathered to hear the word, offer the holy sacrifice and receive holy communion under one or both species is not available. But, we miss the point of turning up in person if we think the celebration of mass is something that does not involve meeting others in person and actively participating in the celebration. Otherwise we risk becoming a collection of very isolated persons united by bonds of technology but not real communities of life, engagement and commitment.