Celebrating Online Participants

Are the 300 or so people who regularly participate in Mass online, through the livestream, simply watching Mass? No. Although the homilies are enriching and the music and liturgical environment are beautiful, these people don't just watch but participate by actively praying and are part of our worshiping assembly. Most are parishioners and all part of our community. Many of the people who participate in Mass online are unable to be physically present in the church. In a recent survey, some of these people described themselves as legally blind, disabled by Alzheimer's disease, homebound, medically advised to avoid indoor gatherings, or simply as having mobility issues.

Homebound parishioners living in San Francisco are offered the opportunity to receive the Eucharist at home and are participating in Mass as fully as they are presently able. As we know, in the celebration of Mass, Christ is particularly present in the Word proclaimed, the Priest-Presider, the Eucharist consecrated at Mass, and the gathered assembly. Christ is present when the community of believers gathers together in his name. People participate in the celebration online for many reasons, and the St. Ignatius livestream team is proud to keep the doors of the church open online. St. Ignatius Church is a welcoming and inclusive Jesuit, Catholic community, a church of Mercy, and grateful to be able to offer this ministry. We thank God and our community for making this possible.