Mass on TV

[Donxyz]

My friend watches a TV Mass every Sunday and claims he fulfills his Sunday obligation. The TV Mass is nice for people who are physically unable to attend Mass. My friend is physically capable of attending Mass. I called the Priest who says the Mass and left a message about my friend and asked to put a message on the TV channel indicating watching the Mass on TV does not fulfill the obligation of attending Mass on Sunday. Nothing was done.
I am perplexed why the Chicago Diocises does not require such a statement. I feel confident there are others who are healthy and think watching a TV Mass is the same as attending Mass.Isn’t not having a statement that TV Mass does not fulfill the obligation to attend Mass on Sunday contributing to the sins these people are committing? The TV Mass is on channel 7 at 7 or 7:30AM on Sunday in the Chicago Area.

 

[Deacon_Ed]

Mass on TV is primarily for those who cannot attend Mass due to any number of conditions. For people who cannot attend Mass there is no obligation and, therefore, a televised Mass is simply a way of getting what would otherwise be missing. It is not a substitute for Mass for those physically able to attend and who are not otherwise impeded (distance, prison, etc.).

Deacon Ed

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

Donxyz:

My friend watches a TV Mass every Sunday and claims he fulfills his Sunday obligation. The TV Mass is nice for people who are physically unable to attend Mass. My friend is physically capable of attending Mass. I called the Priest who says the Mass and left a message about my friend and asked to put a message on the TV channel indicating watching the Mass on TV does not fulfill the obligation of attending Mass on Sunday. Nothing was done.
I am perplexed why the Chicago Diocises does not require such a statement. I feel confident there are others who are healthy and think watching a TV Mass is the same as attending Mass.Isn’t not having a statement that TV Mass does not fulfill the obligation to attend Mass on Sunday contributing to the sins these people are committing? The TV Mass is on channel 7 at 7 or 7:30AM on Sunday in the Chicago Area.

I would write the diocese and explain why you feel this is confusing people. It is the Archbishop who must approve of any televised or broadcast Mass.

 

[puzzleannie]

the Mass on TV used to be called “the Mass for shut-ins” and is charitably provided as a way for those who cannot physically attend to join in the prayer of the Church. It does not fill their Sunday obligation, because they have no obligation if they are truly unable to get to Mass for illness or other good reason.

It in no way fills the Sunday obligation for any person who is perfectly capable of getting to Mass. While prayerfully and reverently watching Mass on TV may be a fine private devotion and a source of graces, it does not replace Mass attendance, which requires full, active participation with the community of believers.