Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

A group of dedicated volunteers has played a key role in ensuring that Mass of the Air remains accessible to people unable to attend church services in person. The ministry, which began in 1977, relies on individuals who contribute their time and skills to bring televised Masses to viewers across Kentuckiana.

Nancy Reynolds, a member of St. Paul Church, has been interpreting for the deaf community at Mass of the Air for nearly 40 years. Reynolds began as a prompter and later became an interpreter, following in the footsteps of Norma Lewis, who served in that capacity for close to four decades. “It’s a gift from God. I feel I was given that gift and I need to share it freely because it was given to me freely,” said Reynolds.

Reynolds credits her background as a cheerleader at Angela Merici High School with helping her learn American Sign Language. She explained that attending a Mass for the deaf while still in high school introduced her to the community and inspired her interest in sign language. “We were cheerleaders. In cheer, there’s a word to every motion. That kind of prepared us to learn sign language. It was easy for us to learn,” she said.

She also acknowledged Father Charles Dittmeier's influence on her work: “Without his encouragement and mentoring, this wouldn’t have worked.” Reynolds emphasized the importance of interpreting Mass for deaf Catholics, calling it one of the “most necessary things we do.” She hopes future generations will continue this service.

Peg Darcy has volunteered since 1977, when Mass of the Air began. Her role is prompting the sign language interpreter by relaying song lyrics and responses before they are sung or spoken during Mass. “I give her the words before the cantor sings them so she can sign at the same time they are singing. I will say the words fairly loudly. I sit off camera,” Darcy said.

Darcy also became involved through Father Dittmeier and described volunteering as an easy ministry with significant personal rewards: “Sometimes I get more out of the Mass. I’m so focused on what’s going on and what I’m doing. I focus on the reading and the homily,” she said. Darcy intends to continue serving: “I’m going for 50 more years.”

Mona Wilkerson has used her fine arts background as director of art and environment for over three decades, managing set decoration for 38 years after being recruited by Father Nick Rice in 1987. Her responsibilities include decorating the Ursuline Motherhouse Chapel according to liturgical seasons using flowers such as poinsettias at Christmas and lilies at Easter.

“It comes easy for me because I’ve been doing it for so long,” Wilkerson said, attributing her dedication to her Catholic upbringing: “It was the faith of my parents raising us Catholic.” The ministry is especially meaningful since her mother relied on televised Masses when she could no longer attend church herself.

“It’s a wonderful ministry. It’s just giving back. I’ve been blessed. We’re supposed to share our God-given talents,” Wilkerson said.

Deacon Mark Rougeux, executive director of Mass of the Air, praised these volunteers’ contributions: “Their steady presence and tireless commitment have been a true gift, holding this ministry together and helping it flourish for nearly half a century... Because of their faithful service, countless hearts have been lifted, countless souls have been nourished, and God’s love has continued to reach people across Kentuckiana in ways seen and unseen.”

McGee Wathen has served as technical director for 34 years, overseeing equipment setup before tapings begin and handling editing duties so each television station receives copies of recordings promptly. He also manages online postings via Facebook and YouTube channels.

“We’ve got a really good group of dedicated people to make sure it serves the needs of the archdiocese,” Wathen said.

Wathen shared that his own parents watched Mass of the Air later in life: “There are a lot of people who depend on it. It really seems to help them out, and that makes me feel good.”

Mass tapings take place at Ursuline Motherhouse Chapel; while attendance is open to all, bringing small children is discouraged due to recording requirements.

Viewers can watch broadcasts at 9 a.m. on WBKI-TV, 10:30 a.m. on WDRB-TV, 10 a.m. (Central) on WNKY-TV, or at 11 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. on Faith Channel.