Online Masses
Online Masses have been on hold since last Easter. We intend to bring them back as soon as we solve some technical issues. One issue is the video feed. The new security camera system is useful for security purposes. It’s insufficient for online Masses, however, so we will be adding a different type of camera—one that enables closeups of the altar area.
Another technical issue is the audio feed. We’ve consulted church sound specialists in support of that component, as it involves specialized microphones. It also involves the precise placement of those microphones.
Our worship space has excellent acoustics in many ways. As soon as you introduce microphones, however, things get more complicated. As I understand it, we’ll also need some software and a dedicated computer to make the combined video and audio feeds suitable for online purposes.
At my recent Archdiocesan business administrators meeting, I was interested to hear how other parishes have moved ahead with online Masses—or dropped them. We’re with the former group. We value online Masses and we know people from around the world are interested.
Community Conversations & Future Planning
We have two complementary initiatives underway. One is what we’ve come to call “Community Conversations.” These Conversations are open to everyone on the West Side. The next Conversation is Tuesday, March 12. For more information, see this week’s insert.
Meanwhile, our Parish Council’s Future Planning Task Force has begun meeting. This group’s focus is St. Matt’s, and its charge is to think about our faith community, our culture, and our roles within it. Future bulletins will provide details.
Have a great week!
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