6) Sacred Space on the Web July 10, 2009

Excerpts from an article in The Irish Times by Alannah Gallagher

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/features/2009/0527/1224247489502.html

May 27, 2009

“As our lives get busier and busier there is less and less time for quiet spiritual contemplation…many of us no longer have time to drop into the local church for a moment of prayer…This, coupled with the fact that few churches open late these days, means more people are turning to the web for their spiritual fix. It’s private, open 24/7 and offers a range of services to suit every creed.

“Sacredspace.ie, the Jesuit prayer site, was set up 10 years ago…It asks you to find ‘sacred space’, 10 minutes for prayer in your day.

“Mount Argus (at Mountargusparish.ie) is one of seven Catholic churches that have signed up to Churchservices.tv which broadcasts its Masses [in Ireland]…’It means for instance, if you’re doing a funeral, that mourners abroad can participate in the service. This is of great consolation to mourners who can’t attend in person.’

“Online services offer an immediate connection for those who want to experience a sense of community in their faith, says Cliodhna Doyle, a member of St Augustine’s online congregation…It’s the sense of community that draws her in.

“‘Imagine a church with no cobwebs, leaking roof or even church building. That’s where you are right now. Welcome to St Pixel’s.’ This is the opening statement of an online church initiated by founding member, Stephen Goddard, which received sponsorship from the Methodist Church in Britain.

“… ‘From feedback there is definite evidence that people who lost interest in physically going to church have found a place for themselves online,’ explains David Webster, their internet communications co-ordinator.”