Earlier this year the wife of a serviceman stationed in Afghanistan contacted the diocesan Web site (www.dio.org) to inquire if there were any parishes in the diocese that broadcast Mass on the Internet.

"The Knights of Columbus had given him Mass books, and he was interested in seeing Mass as it was celebrated back home," said Dan Gauwitz, director of information technology for the diocese. "I talked to Father Bill, since he is the most ‘techno' of our priests, to see if it could be done."

"I wanted to do what I could," said Father Kessler, who has been podcasting since February of 2005. He belongs to a group called the Star Quest Production Network (SQPN), a Catholic podcasting network that specializes in the production of audio and video programs faithful to the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church. (www.sqpn.com)

"The reason I do this is just as Paul used letters, which was the technology of his day, I feel deeply called to use the technology of today to give an authentic Gospel message. There are live Masses on EWTN which people can watch, but not everyone has cable TV," he said.

It did not take long for the 36-year-old priest to find the technology to make a Mass video for the Web. He uses a Panasonic mini-DVD camera attached to a Mac book, and a program called IMovie to edit the tape, which he then downloads to Google video. The camera is mounted on a stationary tripod.

"I started out placing the camera in a choir loft, looking down, and focused on the sanctuary. But I've since found a couple of locations in the churches where I can shoot which will capture primarily the presider.

"My challenge is finding the time that it takes to do the video for the Web. It can be very time-consuming, and it all depends on my schedule, when I am able to videotape a Mass, and put it up on the Web."

For people who are unable to attend Mass, watching Mass on-line can be a blessing, as the video is the full celebration of the liturgy, and viewers say it seems like they are right there in one of the front pews at Mass. But it is not a replacement for attending Mass. "We do not administer the sacraments through the media," said Father Kevin Laughery, judicial vicar in the Office of the Tribunal.