AnnaKubat

The student quickly looked up. The priest had randomly stopped talking. Only when she looked closer she could see that he was still communicating. His mic was just off. Almost as quickly as it had happened, the sound came back loud and clear. Mass was back to usual. 

What the student didn’t know was who had helped fix the issue.

The Marian Audio and Visual ( AV) Team is responsible for the seamless fix. 

This group of seven girls had to apply for their position and were selected by the leaders of Campus Ministry. They are part of the Faith in Action Team (FIAT) and can participate in other large group events. 

However, their main responsibility is the setup of Mass, managing the slideshow and coordinating the auditory cues involved. 

“My role as the AV Tech Head is to train everyone in the sound board, PowerPoint and overall Mass procedure when it comes to making sure Mass runs smoothly and up to standard,” senior Charlotte Holcomb said. Before every Mass, the girls leave class early to set up. They manage the sound board, song and response slideshow and other cues needed to help Mass flow.

It’s hard work that can go undetected by the congregation. 

“I wish that more people knew that we work hard to make sure Mass is running the right way. It is sometimes a bit stressful, especially when we are involved in other roles such as being Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (EMHC),” Holcomb said. 

Junior Catherine Buescher helps with navigating the microphones. 

“My first step is to set everything up in the morning. We get everything we need out, including the piano and the cart with all of the chords, and start setting up the microphone stands. We then plug them into the main board where we can control the sound. Next, we come a little bit before Mass starts to test everything to make sure our equipment is working properly,” Buescher said.

During Mass, Buescher and Holcomb, along with the other members, mute and unmute microphones to prevent bad feedback and work to fix any unplanned issues that may arise.

Holcomb has been a Technical Aid Resource (TAR) since her sophomore year, which was helpful for her to have previous knowledge of technology. However, any student on FIAT can apply without prior knowledge. 

The Midwest Sound and Light Company originally educated students from a video, but now the older girls on the team teach the underclassmen. 

“As a senior, the majority of what I do now is supervise because I’m getting to the point where I should be able to be phased out of the program and let the other [team members] take charge,” Holcomb said.

Ms. Sara Greisch, a theology teacher, helps supervise students, assists with volume troubleshooting and guides students on cues for muting to unmuting the priest and choir. 

“These girls play a vital role in the [Mass] process. We couldn’t do this without them,” Greisch said.

Although these skills can apply to other productions such as the play and musical, Mass is different.

 “To some degree it is a production because certain components have to go right. But we have to remember the purpose and what we are doing this for. This is a sacred celebration of our faith and that has to remain the focal point,” Greisch said.

The AV team helps connect the girls to their personal faith as well. 

“We put a lot into this program. My favorite part is the feeling that I am bringing something [extra] to Mass, and not only participating in the normal way,” Holcomb said. 

Although they might not always be visible, the AV team will always be heard. They help connect the elements to amplify the message of Mass.

“We work hard to make sure the sound during Mass is the best that it can be. My favorite part is helping with the people on the team. We have fun!” Buescher said.