Most parishes can not afford the luxury of a full-time (or even part-time!) technical director on staff.  And unfortunately, few volunteers have the special skill set and experience needed to help assess and maintain the technical needs of a parish, specifically for use during the liturgy.

In my 14 years of experience working with “church-friendly” Audio/Visual companies (many of whom have good reputations in the secular market),  I have found that very few have a detailed knowledge of the Roman Catholic Liturgy and our many specialized needs essential to creating a beautiful liturgical experience for the assembly.

Yes, many of your local A/V companies are really great at basic installation and equipment repair needs, but there is that crucial link between what is “the latest and greatest” and what will actually work best in the overall day-to-day operations of the Parish.

“Technology should aid in the liturgical experience, not DISTRACT from it.”

QUICK CHECK-LIST:

• Does my parish have a Music/Liturgy area on it’s website, showing Audio/Video samples from Mass?
• Does my parish have an iTunes Podcast account, allowing anyone to listen or download the weekly homily for FREE?
• Does my parish use a projector and/or screen during liturgy, avoiding costly duplication costs of weekly worship aids and showing environmental leadership.
• Would an elderly or disabled member from my parish benefit from the ability to watch our priest give his weekly homily online?
• Would our parish be interested in streaming the entire Mass, music and all, over the internet?  Are we concerned about the legalities of such an endeavor and fear that it is somewhat out of our reach at this time?

If you answered YES to any of these questions, contact me.  Even if you have a small budget and/or limited resources, let’s dream a little bit together and explore the possibilities.

Dan’s recent Clients & Projects:

• Archdiocese of Los Angeles, Office of Religious Education | live webcast of Religious Education Congress 2010-2011 | remote location Broadcast Booth | video-on-demand channel via YouTube | promo videos and digital marketing.

• Blessed Kateri Catholic Church, Santa Clarita, CA | concept design of technology integrated into worship space, parish media center & a lower-level music dept. | parish dedication in August 2009 | architect: Victor Newlove, ADN Architects.

• El Sembrador Ministries, Burbank, CA | Co-Music Producer of ’09 Congreso @ LA Sports Arena | video.

• St. Monica Catholic Community, Santa Monica, CA | Assoc. Director of Music & Technology ’07-’09 | iTunes weekly Podcast, Internet streaming via Digital Rapids encoder, 24-track church audio recording (sample) and HD robotic camera system (video) | complete Church & Schools campus wireless systems upgrade.

• St. Julie Billiart Catholic Church, Newbury Park, CA | re-design of choir/band sound system area, suitable for Contemporary Band & various choirs.

• Padre Serra Parish, Camarillo, CA | re-design of choir/band sound system area, Aviom-style monitors & cantor hotspot, Christmas audio/video production, numerous outdoor events.