FEBRUARY 2021
TECH MINISTRY
KEEPING PARISHIONERS CONNECTED AND SAFE DURING PANDEMIC
E
ver since the onset of COVID-19 last spring, we have all had to find creative ways to stay connected and involved with our families, friends, community, and parish. As Masses went virtual — and then later on, as parishioners began to return to Mass — the need for a good technology team became apparent. “The Tech Ministry grew out of the need for livestreaming Masses, communicating the songs and responses we are using during the Mass to the congregation, and figuring out what we’d need in the future due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” says ministry leader Lisa Wells. “We started out with four members and have added two others who have volunteered to help with getting projectors, cameras for doing the live feeds of Masses, and communication to the community. We have had to communicate in new ways with our church family, and we hope that soon we can welcome back more of those who have been relying on the livestreams.” The ministry works with
Mark Rebellon, Fr. Tony Pangan, and Lisa Wells are three of the six members of the Tech Ministry.
Fr. Anthony Pangan to acquire and use the equipment necessary to livestream the Mass as well as project song lyrics, announcements, and video messages both during and after the Mass. “We don’t know what the future holds as far as our ‘new normal,’ so if we are completely phasing out all missals, then we will need to use technology to transmit
songs during our Masses,” Lisa says. “I do want this ministry to also become a communication format both for parishioners and also to the greater Catholic community — for example, by submitting articles to the Hawaii Catholic Herald.” Going forward, Lisa sees the ministry as an important asset to the parish, even in post-pandemic times. Lisa hopes that more continued on back cover
“I know that we could continue to livestream Masses for those who are homebound and cannot attend our Masses. I see that as a great outcome from this pandemic. I think there will be ways of using our new technology to welcome people to our liturgies.” — Lisa Wells 7
