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Mary Immaculate Chapel
Long Island, New York
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Televised Mass & One’s Sunday Obligation

 Living at the dawn of the Twenty-first century, all of us can attest to the fact that today’s modern conveniences have lightened the burdens that once weighed heavily upon previous generations. No doubt, the inventions that have come about over the last few decades, most especially in the fields of communications and computers, are astounding and serve as a testament of what man can do with the help of his God-given talents to better society.

As Catholics, we have a right to make use of these conveniences inasmuch as they are in keeping with our goal in life: the salvation of our souls. So, with our ability to do so many things from the comfort of our home via the television and computer, it may not be too far fetched to think that, perhaps, some incorrectly believe they can do some things “sacramentally” via the television set or computer monitor.

Alas, nothing could be further from the truth. Catholic moral theology states that all baptized persons who have reached the age of seven and have the use of reason are obliged under penalty of serious [mortal] sin to hear Mass on Sundays and Holy Days.  For the fulfillment of the precept, bodily presence at the Mass is required [cf. Handbook of Moral Theology, Dominic Prummer, OP, 1957].
 
Watching a broadcast of the Mass on television, or of the Mass recorded on video tape, which may be a consolation for people unable to attend Mass who are rightfully dispensed, does not satisfy anyone's Mass obligation. Our duty to attend Mass in person on Sundays and Holy Days is a serious one.

Pope Pius XII gave a radio address on 6th  June 1954 entitled "Television: Its Benefits: No Substitute for Actual Presence" [Canon Law Digest, Volume 4, pp. 354-355; AAS 46-369]. It was delivered to the spectators and audience of the first television program produced on a European network. Below is a small section that was delivered in English:

"Perhaps one might here call special attention to the desire of a television audience to see reflected on the screen some of its own deepest aspirations, its ideal of human brotherhood, of justice and of peace, its love of family and country, and also the fact that it is part of a society, whose purpose transcends the limits of the material world or belongs to a religious group. We are thinking in particular of those of you whom sickness or infirmity confine to your homes and who would like to find the consolation and comfort they need more than others by being present in spirit at religious ceremonies and uniting their prayer to that of the Church. From now on, television, better than radio, will bring them into the sanctuary. This will not, of course, take the place of being actually present and in person at religious rites; but at least it will help to create the atmosphere of reverence and recollection that surrounds liturgical functions, and bring the audience to share the fervent prayer of faith and adoration that rises heavenwards from the gathering of the faithful."

Again, recall the title that Pope Pius XII gave to his address: "Television: Its Benefits: No Substitute for Actual Presence". In light of this, and in light of the Church’s constant teaching that one must be physically present at the offering of the Mass to fulfill one’s obligation, the issue should not even arise in which a Catholic would think that his Sunday obligation could be fulfilled by watching the Mass on the television.

Only a serious and grave excuse can cause this duty and obligation to cease altogether. For instance, the kind of sickness that would keep one home from work or school excuses one from attending Mass. Certain kinds of occupations may prevent one from attending Mass,  such as firemen, policemen, soldiers - all of whom, if on duty - would be dispensed. A grave duty of charity can also legitimately keep one from Mass, such as taking an accident victim to the hospital. If you are in doubt about these matters, consult your confessor.

Mary Immaculate Chapel--Preserving the Roman Catholic Faith and the Traditional Latin Mass on Long Island