Catholic Worship Needs To Be In-Person

There has been a dramatic increase in virtual worship during the past three years. While it may allow people to have a glimpse into some aspects of the worship experience, it fails to accomplish the ultimate purpose of uniting us spiritually and physically as the Body of Christ in one perfect offering to the Father.

Catholic worship is more than message and music; it is a Sacramental encounter with Jesus in which parishioners are necessary participants in the transforming experience of the Eucharistic Sacrifice. Part of that participation is the physical reception of the Body and Blood of the Lord in Holy Communion. Through this active participation, the Church is transformed to become what we receive. That experience of transformation in Christ requires both active participation and in-person reception of Communion.

Online religious services may invite spiritual participation in this great Liturgy but they are not equal to in-person participation.