Making the Most out of Online Mass
So the world’s a bit topsy turvy at the moment, and while this blog was originally supposed to be about how to get the most out of Mass, we’ve all had to channel our inner Bear Grylls and improvise, adapt and overcome what’s been thrown at us.
We’re pretty lucky that so many parishes and diocese have been able to set up online Masses so that we can still come together during this time of isolation. But with this comes the challenge to fully engage with Mass, especially when it’s so different from what we’re used to. Mass has never been a spectator sport – so here’s a few tips on how to get the most out of online Mass!
Make a Space
Get out a few candles, a bible and maybe a cross or picture of Jesus to help you focus on why we have Mass, and why it’s important to do even when our churches are closed.
Put Some Pants On
Living in my pyjamas is my favourite thing about being stuck at home, but when it comes to Mass, putting on a real pair of pants or getting dressed reminds us that Jesus is with us even when we’re apart.
Follow Along with the Readings
Grab a Missal or google the daily readings so that you can follow along with the stories we are being told about our faith. I like to pick out a sentence or phrase and write it in my journal, that way I can reflect on what God is saying to me, instead of getting distracted. Take the time to let it sink in, and think about how the readings and the Homily could apply to your life.
Walk the Walk and Talk the Talk
This one might make you feel like a dingus in your lounge room BUT responding to the Mass parts and doing simple things like kneeling and standing as you would in normal Mass reminds us that what we’re witnessing isn’t just a video. The Mass is a prayer that people all around the world are saying together, and it unites us with the whole Church.
Make a Spiritual Communion
Obviously we can’t have Communion at home, but that doesn’t mean that we can’t connect with Jesus. In Spiritual Communion we receive the love and graces that God gives us in the Eucharist, but without the bread and wine. During most online Masses there will be a moment after Communion when the priest asks us to reflect, and that is the perfect time to say this prayer (featured in Josh Whicker’s blog) and reflect on how much God loves us, especially during this tough time.
This is a version of the Spiritual Communion Prayer drawn up by Be A Heart Design
All of these tips can be summed up in two words: be intentional. Mass is an extraordinary thing, even when we forget that it is. It’s even easier to forget that it’s special when we’re watching it on TV like a Netflix show, so being intentional about preparing for Mass can help keep us engaged and remind us that God is so much bigger than the situation we find ourselves in.
Brigid Cooney is a 21-year-old Canberra local who love hot chocolates, knitting and all things cosy. After serving on YMT Wollongong in 2017 and YMT Sydney in 2018, she is studying to be a high school teacher and is working for ACU Campus Ministry. When she’s not at uni, Brigid can be found cuddling her nieces Nuala and Rosie, or watching Derry Girls.