The Detroit Jesuits have created an online source to provide comfort and religious connection through social media during the COVID-19 outbreak. The theme is “Pray. Reflect. Connect.”
“The purpose is to create a virtual sacred space to offer a place to pray, reflect and connect,” wrote Gilbert Sunghera, S.J., who is the Superior for the Detroit Jesuits and a professor of Architecture at University of Detroit Mercy.
Detroit Jesuits Facebook
Detroit Jesuits Instagram
A YouTube channel is being organized for livestream elements, including Sunday Masses, but all content will be sourced through the Facebook page. Damian Torres-Botello, S.J., who is a professor of Theatre at Detroit Mercy will curate the page, which will be operational at least through April 26.
The schedule is as follows:
Sunday Mass with the Detroit Jesuits
Practice spiritual communion through a livestream of Sunday Mass beginning at 11:15 a.m. Additional Masses will be added as needed.
Music Monday
Each Monday, one Detroit Jesuit will share a playlist of music featuring their favorite and most-loved tunes to help people reflect, pray and enjoy.
Intentions Tuesday
Every Tuesday a Detroit Jesuit priest, brother or scholastic will hold in private prayer and at Mass the intentions left by Facebook page followers and visitors throughout the week. Intentions can be added to the event page for that week or sent privately via Messenger. All intentions will remain in the Jesuits’ book of intentions placed at the altar in the Jesuit Community chapel in Lansing-Reilly Hall at Detroit Mercy.
Adoration Wednesday
Join the Detroit Jesuits for Adoration every Wednesday at 8 p.m. for an hour of prayer live on Facebook from the Jesuit Community chapel in Lansing-Reilly Hall at Detroit Mercy. Additional days will be added as needed.
Thursday Tips
Throughout the day, posts will offer resources, ideas and reflections to help with your faith life as we all remain in solidarity with each other.
Weekly Examen Friday
Pray the Examen every Friday at 4:15 p.m. A Detroit Jesuit will guide an Examen based on a theme to help all of us pray through this challenging time.
Prepare the Way Saturday
Each Saturday a Detroit Jesuit will take viewers through the Sunday readings in preparation for Sunday Mass. Guided meditation, Lectio Divina, imaginative prayer or other prayerful and reflective methods to break open the readings will be featured on this day. Join live on Facebook at 4:15 p.m. for an interactive experience.