Coronavirus Challenge for Online Ministries

We are in a new place today, facing a new challenge. The words pandemic, quarantine, self-isolation, social distancing, and shut down, containment zone, hot spot, drive-through testing, state of emergency, travel bans, are now part of everyday conversations.

Concern for our own health and the health and well-being of our loved ones is uppermost in our minds. Worry about food for children who get their main nutrition from schools that are now closed, families that live paycheck to paycheck and the millions who do not have medical insurance is real.

The experts tell us that it will get worse before it gets better. We can expect a surge in Covid-19 cases and more deaths.

Our parish/diocesan websites and social media sites can play an important role in this time of heightened anxiety. We can be a source of facts about what we are doing, as well as resources and encouragement. This is a time for us to step-up our online engagement, not to minimize it or retreat from it.

Facts

Last week as Church and civic leaders were issuing directives, the parishes that I work with were scrambling to let members know of cancellations, postponements, and the liturgical changes that were being instituted: hands-free or discontinued sign of peace, discontinuing distribution of the Precious Blood and emptying of holy water fonts, etc. In some areas of the country Sunday Masses were cancelled.

As online ministers, it is our responsibility to help pastors and other Church leaders to convey information about parish, diocesan or related ministries in a timely manner without hype or panic.

I noticed that there were more questions on postings than usual last week. It is important for us to monitor our social media sites to be sure that those questions get answered by us or someone we can contact again in a timely manner.

Resources

If we are in areas where people need food assistance or other resources, we can let them know resources that they can access. We can also encourage those who are able to do so, to contribute to food banks, shelters, etc. We can also offer links to worthwhile faith-based religious content that may be helpful to people who are isolated at home and might like a break from the TV.

Encouragement

People need a respite from all the “bad news” that is out there. We can post words of encouragement from scripture (perhaps from the daily readings), prayers, and the saints using creative and attractive images or videos. We can post music videos that offer hope and comfort. This is not a time for pious platitudes, but words that uplift and comfort in challenging times. We need to remind our online communities that God is with us through it all and that we are here for one another as well.

Take Away

At times like this, I am especially aware that as an online minister, I have a unique opportunity to help people get the information that they need in real time. Our postings can offer encouragement that comes from knowing that we are not alone in this challenge and that we will get through it together.

Finally, in honor of St. Patrick’s Day here is an Irish Hymn to help us focus on what truly matters.