LIVED-EXPERIENCES OF CATHOLIC BELIEVERS ON ONLINE EUCHARISTIC CELEBRATION DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC

This study sought to develop a deeper understanding of the Lived experiences of catholic believers in their participation in online Eucharistic celebrations during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study utilized a qualitative research approach, specifically in the phenomenological lens. The eight (8) female participants were selected through the given inclusion criteria. A semi- structured questionnaire guides a Key Informant Interview to get precise information from the participants.

Data were presented and analyzed through a thematic analysis starting from the lived experiences of the catholic believers in online Eucharistic celebration to the changes in their spiritual practices in participating in online Eucharistic celebration and the impact of their experience to their sense of religious experience.

Findings revealed that the lived experiences of the catholic believers in attending online Eucharistic celebration presents challenges in facing a new reality. It resulted in the absence of physical presence, especially in partaking in the Holy Communion. This kind of dramatic shift in social culture opens the door to the possibility of a new understanding of belongingness and participation in a religious community and the challenges that come with it.

Despite the fact that they participate online, their spiritual practices allow them to deepen their faith and encounter with God himself. With that, their religious experiences draws them closer to God and had made them to become a stronger believer.