Internet Mass could promote ‘more privatised faith’: Derry Bishop

Dr Donal McKeown says the church now faces a “critical time.”

Speaking at Mass on Sunday, he said: “On the one hand, very large numbers - many of them not regular churchgoers - have been following our religious services online. But we know from both current attendance and medical advice, that it will be quite a while before people can safely gather in large numbers in churches.

“There were many people, for whom attendance in church was part of their weekly programme but who may not return to that regular pattern. This is a real challenge for parishes. How do we celebrate our sacramental unity in the Body of Christ without coming together as much? How do we proclaim the community dimension of faith in a culture where online church services may actually promote a more privatised faith, based on a consumerist, service-provider model?”

He added: “How do we be parishes that reach out to strangers in need if Mass is piped into the house and we do not have to rub shoulders with those who are not part of our family circle?

“If we have not discovered Christ as a hidden treasure or a pearl of great value, there will be a strong temptation to use faith where it suits me rather than giving my all. Faith is a call to follow Christ, not merely a membership card where I can expect Christ to follow my agenda. Limitation in church attendance means that the domestic church has to take on a greater part of handing on the rich treasure of faith.”

Only weeks ago, the Derry-born head of the Catholic Church in Ireland hailed the popularity of virtual Mass.

Archbishop Eamon Martin said parishes across Ireland had been “flooding the digital highways” and crashing webcam live-feeds in response to the coronavirus-enforced closure of churches.

“Millions”, he said, had been “gathering virtually” for Mass.