COVID-19 forced churches of all sizes and locations to adapt to a digital model for some ministries, with impacts that will likely last beyond the pandemic.
Staff members at SS. Peter and Paul Parish in Rocklin realized early on that they could prepare for parish life during and after the pandemic by ramping up their communication strategies using multiple platforms. Like many parishes, they already had virtual footprints embedded in their community, utilizing online giving, a regularly updated website and social media platforms such as Facebook and YouTube. Mass emails, livestreaming Mass and social media platforms have all become vital tools to keeping parishioners updated on a continuous basis, says Darcy Wharton, who has been on the parish staff since 1996 and since 2005 is coordinator of adult faith formation.
The parish already posted on Facebook regularly, with various writers providing daily reflections and also ministry announcements. They use Flocknote (with 3,500 emails registered) every Saturday for a weekly email to parishioners. Youth and young adult ministry also post on their own social media platforms.
“Once COVID-19 hit, we used all of our platforms more intentionally and effectively,” Darcy notes. She started a Thursday “parish connection” conversation at 10 a.m. on Facebook Live, where initially she announced times for online Masses, but expanded it with updates about parish ministries and changing schedules. “It’s fun — people can ask questions and make comments and I give them immediate answers or they can view it on Facebook later.”
On Facebook, Father Bony Arackal, pastor, Deacon David Haproff, and seven other contributing writers from the parish share daily reflections. In one reflection, Darcy noted that all ministries were faced with the reality of not meeting in person and many of them began using Zoom. The bereavement group, for instance, switched to online meetings.
“An unexpected blessing is that I have been able to be a quiet participant in their online meetings,” she says. “What I discovered was a true community of deep sharing and camaraderie. Although they would much prefer to meet in person, their online gatherings have allowed them the opportunity to connect with one another. This helps ease their grief, which has only compounded during the pandemic. Imagine dealing with the loss of a loved one along with the loss of your normal routine and social interaction.”
Darcy led an online retreat via Zoom which had more participants than previous retreats she offered in person. During February and March, an online five-week afternoon series featured Passionist Father Tom Bonacci speaking on Pope Francis’ encyclical, Fratelli Tutti. During Advent and Lent, the liturgy committee hosted an online program with Scripture reflections from Father Bony, and families from the parish reflecting on how they were applying Scripture to their own lives.
“The benefit is we are reaching people who aren’t comfortable driving at night or don’t want to be away from home during COVID,” she notes. “We also reach people who are outside the typical parish boundaries, or if they have moved away from the parish they can still stay connected.”
Darcy, who provides spiritual direction to parishioners as 50 percent of her ministry, has continued to meet monthly online with more than 20 persons she is directing. “The Holy Spirit doesn’t seem to have any boundaries,” she laughs. “It’s not the same as seeing someone in person, but we are making it work. You are still sitting with people in sacred time, which is phenomenal and enriching. It gives me hope to keep going when I see how God is at work. It’s amazing and energizing.”
Nancy Von Thaden, coordinator of youth and young adult ministry, has been a parishioner for 27 years and on the parish staff since 2016. In the pandemic she pivoted and continued with five small faith sharing groups involving youth, with 10 in each group. She also maintains connection with some 45 young adults. Activities have included film series, movie nights, diocesan events on Zoom and an online blessing and slide show for graduating seniors.
“As we closed, opened and closed, the response of my small group leaders was to meet in our parking lot — even when the weather was terrible — or to switch to Zoom meetings or do both,” she says. “They are flexible. Going forward will be a mixed bag. Some things are conducive to online ministry, but many youths don’t want to come unless an activity is in person. They deserve to have that relationship with Jesus and their parish family. I make myself available by Zoom, text, email or in person. Change is inevitable. We want to be responsible and also open to the needs of our families.
“The joy for me has been the personal outreach to many more families and youths — that was unexpected fruit,” she notes. “It’s just the Holy Spirit at work. I can’t stress that enough, as well as our staff working as a great team in different, creative and unexpected ways.”
Nancy’s husband, Mark, and parishioner Dan Welz, worked diligently to provide livestream Masses early on, as well as an outdoor Mass, held rain or shine. Some 230 or more cars with people were attending the drive-in Mass on Sundays in February. Ushers, some from the youth ministry group, guided parishioners to a specific spot so they could see the outdoor altar. Parishioners tuned into 107.9 on their car radios to hear the Mass celebrated by Father Bony.
Darcy believes SS. Peter and Paul will continue to expand on multiple platforms. “Parishioners are so appreciative of all we have done,” she says. "I always wondered if people would come if Mass wasn't an obligation, and now I know so many will even come outdoors or watch at home. It’s clearly important to people and it warms my heart. We are blessed to have the opportunity to be a holy community to one another in our parish and we praise the Lord for it.”
LEARN MORE
About SS. Peter and Paul Parish in Rocklin at www.rocklincatholic.org.
(Header photo: Nancy Von Thaden, left, and Darcy Wharton at the outdoor Mass at SS. Peter and Paul Parish.)
Catholic Herald Issue