It has been challenging coming back to parish life, which I enjoy so much, after some months of full-time study. That study has been transformed by COVID-19 as it continues online with lectures streamed from Rome to places all over the world. One effect of the pandemic on parish life is obvious: the slow but steady pace of return of our faithful people to the celebration of the Eucharist. In some places it is reported to be slower than others. Like online study, the digital experience of online celebrations of the sacrament which binds us together as a church can be a good experience, but it has its limits, as nothing quite seems the same as personal interaction with others.

Recently, I have returned to the practice of setting aside one day in the week for visiting parishioners who are unable to come to Mass. Most of them watch Mass online but they also await my visit which usually includes ministering Holy Communion. The digital experience of online Mass and the sacramental experience of receiving Holy Communion complement each other. That is good for those who I know to visit, but at this time, many of our parishes are recalling stories of people who are not coming back; people who have been forgotten or overlooked in the pandemic. There has never been a more important time for us to try to reconnect people with their communities of faith, but of course it must be done in accordance with safeguarding and privacy policies, workplace health and safety regulations and in a COVID safe way.

Pastoral visitation has been an important part of the life of our church. As a priest it has been a regular part of my ministry, but I cannot visit everyone, nor do I have the knowledge of everyone who needs a visit. I rely heavily on parish “intelligence.” In this time of the pandemic, we may have noticed a need to find people and reconnect with them and to encourage people who may be a little slow to return to their active part in the parish.

There are many ways we can reach each other in this pandemic. A simple phone call or email may be all that is needed to offer others a presence of their faith community in this COVID era. It might be followed up with a suggestion to catch up over morning tea or to drop in the parish bulletin along as way of letting people know that our parishes are returning to life again. Upon finding someone who would like a visit from his or her local priest or a parish representative, it is so important to make sure that information is passed on. Many in our parishes have been doing that so well and with such great charity over recent months. We are a sacramental church, and our physical presence embodies Christ and his gospel. We can be the presence of Christ for others in simple actions that help us to reconnect. The significance of such outreach at one of the most challenging times in the lives of most of us should be forgotten.

Fr Don White,
Parish Priest,
Parishes of the Mackay Southern Cluster