‘Virtual Mass is not the church. The liturgy isn’t a film; we aren’t spectators’

Now that a pathway to the public celebration of the sacraments - particularly the Mass - has been outlined, Catholics are looking forward to returning to their churches, writes Rev. Michael Canny.

Since the middle of March, people of the Catholic tradition have been encouraged to tune into live-streamed Masses. For many people, live-streamed Masses and spiritual communions have been a source of great comfort during the health emergency but they also felt a loss that they could not receive the Eucharist - the Bread of Life - in person as part of the parish community.

Virtual Mass is not the Church, the liturgy is not a film nor are we spectators. A virtual funeral can help if we are geographically apart but it is no substitute for being present, being with people who are important in our lives at a time of loss. Watching Mass is very different from being physically present and participating in the celebration with the gathered community. Virtual Mass, while very good over the past three months, is not the living Church. Away from church, we know that FaceTime and Zoom were helpful in keeping people in touch, but, as grandparents tell me, it was no substitute for the closeness that a live visit brings.

The health pandemic has affected more than the celebration of public Masses - baptisms, First Holy Communion, Confirmation and marriage ceremonies were postponed. While funeral Masses were permitted with restricted numbers, many people had to say farewell to a loved one in the most ghastly of circumstances, without the support and consolation of family and friends. I use the word ghastly because many people experienced the death of their loved ones in care homes and hospital without being able to be physically present at their bedside to hold their hand, say a prayer and kiss them goodbye. A truly awful experience to be followed by a very restricted wake and funeral.

During the last number of months, there has been much talk about the practical preparation for the reopening of churches. While the practical steps and following the guidance is very necessary, I believe we need also to reflect on the emotional side. Church and the sacraments are “we”, not “I”, moments. Yet, when people come together for Mass on June 29, the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul, and the days after, even though they have not seen each other for over three months, they will not be able to shake hands and, if they wish to greet each other, it will be from a distance.

In the days and weeks ahead, I think we must also be aware of the many people who have been emotionally traumatised.

Some people may not have been out of their homes too often in a long time and the thought of seeing people and going into a church building may take a lot of emotional courage which will be different from person to person.

As church people return, I think we must be careful, keeping our distance to keep each other safe.

But we must also be sensitive to and aware of the very strange and mixed emotions many people may have experienced and are experiencing.

However, a return to public worship is very welcome.