When the global community entered a period of quarantine because of COVID-19, so many people were left questioning why things were happening as they were. For many people questioning the world around them, turning to religious leaders brings them comfort. However, just like how schools and businesses around the world were closed because of the pandemic, so too were houses of worship. Religious leaders had to quickly think outside the box to be there for the communities they serve.

This was not an easy transition for many religious leaders because the best way for them to reach their communities was through technology that doesn’t necessarily align with the old school ideals of religious services. Nonetheless, people around the world soon began attending religious services via Zoom, Skype, YouTube Live, and other streaming services. And what many religious leaders quickly learned was that being able to reach the masses through a digital platform had an amazing silver lining.

One of the hardest things for any religious organization to do is to engage with younger generations. Through streaming services, this younger generation was quickly drawn in. But this was not a new concept for a priest in Ireland who had begun live streaming his masses before COVID-19 had even struck. Father Patsy Lynch from the Diocese of Kerry has embraced technology as a way of reaching his flock for some time now. “Priests can’t live in the dark ages,” Fr. Lynch said, “they need to embrace technology.”

With his smartphone and a tripod, Fr. Lynch began live streaming mass to members of his community that live locally and have dispersed throughout the world. He found that using this technology has made himself, mass, and the relationship people have with religion more approachable. Even though COVID-19 restrictions have eased up, Fr. Lynch continues to stream his services. He has even decided to take his use of technology a step further and add drones into the mix.

Throughout July, it is traditional to hold outdoor masses at cemeteries in Ireland. Hugely popular, these masses draw large crowds. As there has been an increase in the Delta variant, authorities in Ireland have advised people to avoid such gatherings. Fr. Lynch agrees with this recommendation, but still knows how important it is to his congregation to hold mass in the cemetery with their dearly departed. His solution, to visit each graveside with his smartphone and drone.

Fr. Lynch will operate the drone himself to give families a bird’s eye view of the cemetery. He will also light candles and take up close pictures of each grave for all members of his congregation. The mass will be live streamed through the drone’s video. “Families of the people buried are scattered all over England, Canada, the US, Australia, and so many other countries that are all able to tune into the link we have for them,” Fr. Lynch said. “It’s a fantastic way to connect.”

In the wake of all that has happened over the last year and a half, being able to connect with other people is how the global community will find healing. For the most part, things are starting to get back to normal. People have listened to the recommendations of medical experts and done their part to protect themselves and their loved ones from COVID-19. But as Fr. Lynch has proven, being able to connect through technology has moved the way people share religious experiences into the future.

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