By Tim Harfmann
NET-TV is bringing the faith directly to your home, channeling your beliefs on television and online.
Currents News’ parent company, DeSales Media Group, is broadcasting 14 live Masses in seven different languages now that public Masses are on hold.
Monsignor Kieran Harrington, Vicar for Communications in the Brooklyn Diocese, said the crisis won’t stop Catholics from worshiping.
“We have a great blessing that technology allows the Mass, the Eucharist to be very present to us, and spiritually, we recognize that we’re in communion with one another even though physically we are not able to receive Holy Communion,” he explained. “While we have to social distance, God is very near to us.”
Broadcasts are sent out from behind the closed doors at the Co-Cathedral of Saint Joseph in Prospect Heights.
The diocese of immigrants is on full display through both weekday and Sunday Masses, including in Creole, Spanish and more.
Regardless of the language, priests say there must be faith.
“This moment is a special time. We need to understand it’s a different time. It’s difficult, but it’s different,” said Father Agustin Orellana, who celebrates Mass in Spanish.
“The same God yesterday is the same God today,” added Father Michel Pierre Louis, who celebrates Mass in Creole.
The new initiative expands DeSales Media’s usual broadcasts of English and Spanish Masses.
“It’s been a little tight, been a little hectic, but we’re getting the hang of it,” said Evan Bellouny from the production department of DeSales Media Group.
Masses are celebrated one right after the other, reaching hundreds of thousands of households.
“It just feels good to bring the Word of God and Jesus to life for these people,” said Bellouny.
This all happens through the power of technology and prayer.
Catholics across the Brooklyn Diocese are being urged to watch Mass on NET-TV, New York’s Catholic Station.
The full Mass schedule is online at https://netny.tv/
You can also find it on Verizon’s Fios channel 48, on Optimum’s channel 30, and on Spectrum’s channel 97.