Mass and Rosary in Lockdown: One Year Later

One year ago today – Sunday, March 15, 2020 – Relevant Radio® began a journey that none of us expected. And it made more of a difference than any of us anticipated.

Four days earlier the World Health Organization declared Covid-19 a global pandemic. In just a matter of days, mitigation efforts in the United States progressed quickly. States began to issue stay-at-home orders, businesses and schools closed and some dioceses were suspending in-person Masses. In time, every diocese in the United States had closed their doors and stopped the public celebration of Mass.

But in the beginning of that uncertainty, Relevant Radio stepped up to bring the sacraments to our listeners who were sheltered in place. March 15, 2020, was the first live noon broadcast of the daily Mass from the Chapel of the Nativity at Relevant Radio, celebrated by Rev. Francis J Hoffman “Fr. Rocky”, Executive Director/CEO.

“Relevant Radio was very blessed to remain open and on air. When the Churches closed down, we stayed open, and worked overtime to bring the faithful the Mass live every day at noon and the Family Rosary Across America each evening, in addition to our other wonderful programs.  Our listeners were so grateful for our companionship, hopeful tone, and positive outlook in this midst of their isolation and anxiety.  We feel it is a blessing that we could be of service,” said Fr. Rocky.

He promised to bring the Mass to you every day, no matter what it took. “I’ll sleep on my office floor in a sleeping bag, if I have to!” he said. Thankfully, it never came to that. But we worked hard to provide the Mass and Rosary broadcasts to hundreds of thousands of souls in need of hope, peace, and community.

What it meant

Fr. Rocky leads Family Rosary Across America
Fr. Rocky leads Family Rosary Across America

These daily broadcasts became a refuge for so many who were isolated, scared, and suffering. Joanne’s testimony is one of thousands who have reached out to share just how much it has meant for them.

“Thank you Fr. Rocky for all you and Relevant Radio have done during this pandemic … I have been in lockdown by myself since this started. Before this I was working two jobs … I was a busy, active New York City woman.

“A lot has changed for me, but my faith and trust in God and all the outlets He has provided for me spiritually like Relevant Radio has kept me grounded and mentally strong. I watch the Mass every day, and I join the Family Rosary and listen to the station during the day.”

Where we are today

The daily Mass and Rosary broadcasts are still going strong one year later, and it’s not something that will be going away. Thanks to you sharing these opportunities with your family and friends, our audiences have grown and become a permanent fixture in our daily show lineup. Over 100,000 people join Fr. Rocky each evening at 7pm for the Family Rosary Across America, and more and more families join in every day. Hundreds of thousands of prayer requests have streamed in for the Mass and Rosary, and our Chapel of the Nativity is filled with the smiling faces of our listeners.

Thank you for joining us on this incredible journey. As our lives slowly return to ‘normal’ in the coming months, remember that amidst the challenges of the past year, blessings emerged. Bring your strengthened prayer life with you in the post-Covid world and continue to pray with us each day!

Daily Mass: noon CT
Family Rosary Across America: 7pm CT

Watch the Daily Mass

Pray the Rosary

Lindsey is a wife, mother, and contributing author at Relevant Radio. She holds a degree in Journalism and Advertising from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Lindsey enjoys writing, baking, and liturgical living with her young family.