LINCOLN (SNR) - When Father Andrew Schwenka was ordained 10 months ago, responding to the threat of a pandemic was certainly not among his concerns.
Now he’s connecting with parishioners on a daily video platform, “Coffee N Clerics.”
“I do not think anyone could have anticipated the unique circumstances in which we are now trying to minister to our parishioners,” Father Schwenka, assistant pastor of St. Michael Parish in Lincoln said. “But the Gospel must be preached and that necessity has forced us to think creatively,” he said.
After it became evident that COVID 19 was a real threat, restrictions emerged at a dizzying pace. As civic and religious authorities realized the magnitude of the virus threat, they worked to minimize the possible transmission of the virus to citizens and parishioners. Hoping to get in front of the virus’s spread they are trying to minimize its impact.
Limitations on the celebration of Mass and other sacraments came quickly. First, no large gatherings exceeding 250 were allowed, then no more than 50, then the lifting of the obligation to attend Mass for Nebraska Catholics the weekend of March 14-15, then meetings limited to no more than 10, and finally the suspension of all public Masses in Nebraska beginning March 16.
As of March 19, the public celebration of Mass was suspended in all 50 United States. Catholics statewide were understandably disappointed at not being able to attend Mass.
Father Schwenka and pastor Father Kenneth Borowiak met with the parish’s leadership team March 16 to develop a strategy to stay connected with the parish, as have parishes across the world.
“The Mass online has been a blessing,” said parishioner Jonathan Jakub. “Although it is not an adequate substitute for the real sacrifice, it brings tears to my eyes knowing that as a community we are still coming together,” he said. “I am seeing folks logging in to join whom I assume normally wouldn’t be there. We are giving people another option which is great because we are all on a different path and any way we can connect the better,” he added.
At a March 13 press conference by Governor Pete Ricketts, state, educational, business and medical professionals outlined the dangers posed by the coronavirus. After consulting with these officials, Archbishop George Lucas, Archbishop of Omaha and apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Lincoln asked pastors to work to minimize the risk of infection to parishioners.
Father Schwenka livestreamed the daily Mass March 17 on his iPhone and posted it to the parish’s Facebook page. With little notice, the Mass received 999 views. It was later posted to YouTube, as well.
The day after public Masses were suspended, parishioner Deacon Alec Sasse arrived home to Lincoln. Scheduled to be ordained a priest May 23, Deacon Sasse returned from St. Charles Seminary in Philadelphia where he was in formation the last three and a half years.
Because of the coronavirus, the seminary canceled classes and sent seminarians home. Deacon Sasse continues his remaining classes online.
Upon arrival home, Deacon Sasse and Father Schwenka began discussing more options for staying connected to St. Michael parishioners.
“One potential benefit I see to all of this is that it is pushing parishes to be creative and confident in their approach to evangelization,” Deacon Sasse said. “The world is highly dependent on technology and I think it can be tempting to be afraid of evangelizing with technology,” he said. “This whole event has given me the confidence to be creative and just go for it,” he added.
Father Schwenka bought and borrowed better equipment and worked with Deacon Sasse to improve the quality and the timeline of online broadcasts. They also began to record a daily program entitled “Coffee N Clerics.” The program is a reflection on the daily Mass readings.
In addition to daily Mass and the reflection on the daily Mass readings, Father Schwenka and Father Borowiak recorded the rosary, the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, and the stations of the cross for parishioners. They are accessible at the parish’s web site at stmichaellincoln.org, Facebook and YouTube.
While many excellent Catholic online sources exist such as Magnificat and Formed.org, parishioners said they want to hear from their parish priests.
“In times of trial, we need to lean on our faith and trust in the Lord’s work,” said parishioner Matt Scheef. “The ability to participate in Mass via Facebook/Website really brings about some calmness and understanding. It is so good to see familiar faces and hear the Word from our very own priests,” he said.
The priests also participated in the worldwide rosary March 19 requested by Pope Francis for the containment of the coronavirus. The recitation of that rosary was recorded in St. Michael’s day chapel and livestreamed to parishioners.
In an effort to provide the Sacrament of Penance for parishioners Father Schwenka and Father Borowiak set up drive-up confessionals just inside St. Michael School. Penitents drove up to the curbside and were directed to the confessionals by ushers. Safeguards such as hand sanitizer were provided for penitents.
Because medical professionals and church officials advised against the distribution of the Eucharist, even Communion outdoors was not made available to parishioners.
To provide an opportunity for access to the Eucharist, Fathers Schwenka and Borowiak set up a curbside altar with the Blessed Sacrament exposed to allow parishioners the opportunity to worship the Lord from their cars.
As the pandemic continues to develop, Father Schwenka, Father Borowiak and Deacon Sasse continue to think of how to communicate the Truth of Jesus Christ, His Gospel and Church with St. Michael parishioners.
“For myself, the most powerful impact of this crisis is an invitation to abandon myself to God’s Divine Providence more and more,” Deacon Sasse said. “There is a lot of uncertainty and fear in our world, but we need to hold on to the one certainty: God is with us,” he added.
Parishioners Steve and Carolyn May expressed the sentiments of many parishioners in terms of staying connected remotely to their parish.
“We are so grateful that our priests are willing to have Masses live streamed for us each day! We also enjoy Coffee N Clerics. Each is a blessing to be able to participate even in this remote manner. Creative efforts of all are so appreciated!” they said.
