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Q1. Were social media channels designed for this experience? Were they “billboard announcements” or designed for audience interactions?

kgeiger4_1 — 2025-03-27 16:44:20 UTC

There was no social media, I went on google and looked up Mass times. Outside the church, there was a sign that said God’s Doors Are Open to all, and it is already widely understood that anyone is able to come to Mass.

Q2. How was this experience promoted outside of social media?

kgeiger4_1 — 2025-03-27 16:46:06 UTC

N/A, ties in with question 1.

Q3. How easy was it to secure tickets/admission? What did the pricing of the event tell you before you attended? If free, was the lack of admission fee explained? If free, how did that impact your opinion of the event?

kgeiger4_1 — 2025-03-27 16:48:53 UTC

It was very easy to secure admission; I just walked in and sat down in a pew, and there was plenty of space. Even if there wasn’t space in pews there is always the option to stand in the back or up on top where the choir sings. I think it is vast knowledge that you do not have to pay to attend mass. That’s something I appreciate about Christian faith, anyone and everyone is able to attend and experience this sacred ceremony

Q4.How did the organizers greet you when you arrived? Did the organizers make announcements prior to the event?

kgeiger4_1 — 2025-03-27 16:51:09 UTC

There was an Usher handing out little booklets when you walked in, but there was minimal interaction or welcome. There were no announcements besides when as the priest entered they said “please stand” and everyone did.

Q5. Was there a program/playbill/scorecard? Was it included in admission? Was there signage posted to help you find your location or participate in the event? What did it signal to you about the experience?

kgeiger4_1 — 2025-03-27 16:52:55 UTC

Yes there was a program that included the readings, songs, and a breakdown of the order of events for those unfamiliar with the process of mass. Outside of the church there was a sign with mass times throughout the week. Besides that it is layer out simply and signage is not really necessary.

Q6. Did the audience sit or stand? How were they arranged around the event to be viewed? Were spaces designated for audience members with accessibility needs? What was the estimated audience size?

kgeiger4_1 — 2025-03-27 16:54:11 UTC

The audience remains seated for a majority of the service with some exceptions. There are certain points in a mass where the audience is instructed to kneel, like after the Holy Communion, and when to stand, such as the Gospel reading. I didn’t see any specific areas for disabled people, but it is assumed those in wheelchairs can sit in the back behind the pews. I would estimate there were around 20 people in the chapel. Considering it was a Monday evening in Burlington the place was not packed as most people attend Sunday morning.

Q7. Was there an intermission/break? Was there sufficient restroom availability? Were food/drink permitted in the audience section? How long did the entire event last? Did you stay for the entire event (or at least 2.5 hours for an all-day event).

kgeiger4_1 — 2025-03-27 16:54:48 UTC

There was no intermission as the event is only around 40 minutes and is a ceremony rather than entertainment. I stayed for whole mass and it did not feel like a very long time at all. Even if I wanted to leave I wouldn’t have in order to be polite and respectful to the event. It is also easier to get up and excuse yourself than it would be in a theatre venue and a bigger interruption. The bathrooms were easy to locate and were accessible. No one had any food, but there are no rules against food as far as I know. A couple people had water bottles, but no one was snacking during mass.

Q8. How did the audience respond to the event? Was the response homogenous or did certain audience members/groups respond differently? Did you observe organizers or audience members police the behavior of other audience members?

kgeiger4_1 — 2025-03-27 16:55:16 UTC

The audience was pretty relaxed so it did not appear there was any negative reaction. I think it can be hard to decipher response as it is a solemn, respectful environment and even if someone did not enjoy their experience, they choose to express that opinion once out of the building. The response was homogenous and as far as I could see everyone was participating to some extent. No one was policing everyone because as previously mentioned it was a calm and relaxing environment. There was not a moment I felt eyes on me, everyone was in their own little world of prayer. While an integral part of Church is community and togetherness, a lot of that experience is personal and intimate between a person and God.

Q9. Was there a planned curtain call or time designed for the audience to show their appreciation? How would you describe the audience’s response? Did artists/athletes greet you before or after the event?

kgeiger4_1 — 2025-03-27 16:55:48 UTC

There was no curtain call or any applause at the end of the mass. There was the final song that some chose to sino along to as the clergy exited down the aisle, but that was about it. Everyone seemed content after the service wrapped up and most left, but some stuck around to continue to pray. The priest stood at the back exit and wished each individual goodbye through a wave or a quick word as they walked out.

Q10. Were there souvenirs or merchandise for audience members to purchase? List major items and prices. Did the organizers create methods for audience members to stay engaged or promote the event to others?

kgeiger4_1 — 2025-03-27 16:56:21 UTC

No, there was not any merchandise at church, as I think that would go against a lot of what the Church stands for. The only exchange of money is at the candles where you can give a small donation to light one for a loved one, or at the entrances where there is a donation slot for the poor. The organizers didn’t really do anything to keep you engaged, I think it’s something you are either invested in or not. I did appreciate the priest’s homily as he kept it light and added in some jokes and was passionate about his preaching.

Q11. Describe your experience at the event. Did you enjoy/appreciate the experience? Did your identities or previous experiences with this kind of event effect your experience as an audience member?

kgeiger4_1 — 2025-03-27 16:58:20 UTC

I 100% appreciated my time at this event. I went to Catholic school from the age of 3 all the way to 18 years old and I have not truly practiced my faith since I graduated high school. I have been navigating where religion lies in my life and I think going to Church has encouraged me to explore my beliefs more deeply. There was a sense of safety and comfort being in the chapel and jumping back into a service that is muscle memory despite the gap in my attendance. I think the fact the priest was great definitely added onto the experience. Part of the reason I detested going to mass growing up was how drawn out and boring it was, with the exception of when there was a great priest.

Q12. If attending alone, did it seem unusual to be a solo attendee? Did you talk/connect with any other audience members? Why/why not?

kgeiger4_1 — 2025-03-27 16:59:09 UTC

It absolutely is not unusual to be a solo attendee especially because many view worship as an intimate moment between them and God. I attended alone as I have not been to Mass since high school and wanted to give myself a nice experience. There were many older people by themselves who were praying the rosary in the pews before the service commenced. I did not speak to other people, but did exchange some handshakes when the “Peace be with you” section happened. Catholic Church ceremonies are also not social generally and loud conversation would be considered inappropriate.