Want to attend a Christmas mass without the discomfort of leaving your home (or computer)? St. Michael's Cathedral and St. Basil's Church (both in Toronto) broadcast a daily feed on TV and YouTube.
What makes this interesting isn't the idea of religion on television, but rather, that a local parish is broadcasting to its own community. My grandma would have watched every day!
The project was coordinated by the National Catholic Broadcasting Council who notes, "It is becoming increasingly apparent that television is where people of every culture and condition gather to be informed and where the rival values of our society compete for our allegiance."
In this video, "Fr. Busch delivers the entire Daily Mass in 3 parts, from the English-speaking Catholic Bishops of Canada and St. Basil's Church in Toronto."
Church on Youtube
Community Churches Get Digital
Trend Themes
1. Digital Church Services - Opportunity for churches to embrace technology and broadcast their services online, reaching a wider audience and providing convenience for worshippers.
2. Community-based Broadcasting - The rise of local parishes broadcasting their services through platforms like YouTube, allowing them to connect and engage with their community members.
3. Television as a Religion Platform - The recognition that television is a popular and influential medium for sharing religious content, leading to opportunities for churches to utilize it for outreach and engagement.
Industry Implications
1. Religious Institutions - Religious institutions can leverage digital media platforms to expand their reach and engage with their congregations, offering various services and activities online.
2. Broadcasting and Streaming - Companies in the broadcasting and streaming industry can support churches in their efforts to go digital, providing the necessary equipment, infrastructure, and technical support.
3. Online Communities - Online platforms that facilitate community building and engagement could partner with churches to offer virtual worship experiences, connecting individuals with similar religious interests and beliefs.