What kind of presence? The issue of presence of the people in a Live Streaming Eucharist in the Diocese Bandung, Indonesia

Abstract

ABSTRACT A survey-based quantitative research project in the Catholic Diocese of Bandung, Indonesia during the Covid-19 pandemic and its subsequent lockdown is presented in this article. The Diocese instigated a temporary online Live Streaming Eucharist and researchers surveyed 771 respondents about their participation and experience. The data collected raises a specific and particular question about what it means for Catholic Christians to be present at a Eucharist – both online, virtually and offline, in person. This article elaborates not only on the question of real or virtual participation but also on the presence of the people as a communion: how they are present. The importance of active participation, how people dress, how people give money and how they choose which online worship all need to be accounted for when developing a nuanced understanding of presence at the Eucharist.