Mounted on the balcony at the back of the church are three state-of-the-art cameras. While small and really only noticeable to someone looking for them, the pieces of technology will allow anyone to see what is happening in the church via live streaming.
Moving forward, the Roman Catholic church will be broadcasting its Sunday morning services online.
“This will give the chance ... wherever they are in the world ... to watch the service,” said Tony Sottile.
Sottile, who is the chancellor of the Knights of Columbus Father Brian McKee Council 1387, was responsible for funding the equipment along with other members of the Council.
“The opportunities for the Catholic Church are bringing them into the 22nd century,” he said.
While the possibility has existed for some time, it's still “really unique.”
“Very few churches in Canada have this technology,” Sottile said.
The gear was installed by Daylight Smart Research. The company's CEO, Serge Trottier, said he had never worked on a project like this until now.
He said it was an innovative way to tackle the declining number of people physically attending church. The cameras mean church-goers can get a life-like experience from the comfort of their home.
“(The cameras) act like their own computers,” Trottier said. “It's a smart camera. It can focus on someone's face, and follow that face.”
Sottile learned of churches broadcasting their events online after he watched a friend's funeral being broadcasted live from Ireland.
The main camera, located above the aisle of the church, is capable of moving and rotating. It will allow viewers to follow a processional marching into and out of the church, and offer a wide range of views for anyone watching from home.
Sottile said he hopes the technology will make church more accessible.
“Eighty-five per cent of people have computers, and 85 per cent of people don't go to church,” he said. “We're trying to reach out to them.”
On Jan. 20 at 9:30 a.m., a special service is planned where the Bishop will formally introduce the cameras to church.
Everyone is welcome to attend, or catch it live at www.christthekinglive.com. For more information about the church itself, visit www.christtheking.diocesessm.com.
