Cyberspace – a new environment for worship

As we all know, today, humanity is being hit by a calamity that has disturbed the normal flow of life. The basic questions that many of us are asking are, “But when will this thing end? When will we return to enjoy our normal life? Where is God in all this?”

Economists are worried about the impact it is having on the world or local economies. Doctors are concerned with saving as many lives as possible. Scientists are focussed on finding a vaccine to eradicate this monster. Journalists are trying to make the necessary information available as much as possible. Political leaders are worried about putting in place measures that will prevent further spread of the virus.

The Church is also worried about something: How will the people’s faith be sustained during this challenging moment when the faithful can’t gather in public worship anymore?

If people cannot come to Church, the Church should go to the people.

The current situation challenges the Church to make cyberspace an environment of worship that sustains people’s faith. It is unfortunate that this challenge comes at a time when we are just about to celebrate the paschal mysteries of Christ. For many people this year, Easter celebrations will find them at home.

For Catholics this is a huge test to the faith. Did you ever imagine not going to Church on Good Friday, on Holy Saturday, and Easter Sunday? It is hard even to think about it, but that’s the reality we are in now, and we must face it.

Regardless of what is happening, the Church can sanctify cyberspace with its presence. This opens us more widely to the necessity and possibility of evangelization through the media, both social and traditional. During this crisis, the Church, be it small Christian community, parish, diocesan, or universal, is compelled to shift its focus from the physical building to cyberspace.

Cyberspace, when used effectively, can make the faithful feel closer to Christ and his Church even if they are not able to come to the physical Church for worship. The Holy Father, Pope Francis, is already leading the way. He has already set the pace. And he has always emphasized the need for priests to take particular interest in the various tools of communication that we have in order to bring forward Christ’s message.

People cannot come to church anymore, but pastoral agents can help them feel the caring hand of the Church and the blessing presence of Christ in their homes. During this time, people are spending more time looking at their electronic gadgets, surfing for information on the net, on social media, and exchanging electronic messages. Priests can still reach their parishioners through the same means by way of streaming live Masses, taking time to write and post short homilies, and sending recorded messages or video clips on aspects of faith. It is even possible to hold marriage catechism lessons via conference calls.

Now is not the time to relax, because we are not on holiday. It is time to be even more vigorous in our pastoral work of evangelization. Indeed, not all parishioners are on social media or are connected. Still, you will be surprised at how your message will reach even those who are not connected to the virtual community.

One might say, “But I am not even on Facebook or Instagram or Twitter. How will I do this cyberspace thing?” The situation now requires that you consider joining the social media community, or at least create content that those who are already connected to the virtual community can post on your behalf or on their platforms.

It will help you remain united with your parishioners so they feel the care of their pastor in their home. In today’s world, pastoral agents cannot be comfortable with pulpit evangelization only. If the Church is moving together with the people, priests cannot sit back and wait for people to come to the parish. We need to step up and go out to meet them wherever they are. If they are on social media, let us pitch the tent of our parish in that space and continue to reach out to them.

The Body of Christ is not restricted to the physical alone. We are a spiritual body as well.

Father Ntembula is a priest in the Archdiocese of Lusaka, Zambia.