Power-point during Mass?

[Guitar]

For those of who get easily distracted, you must get bored very quickly. Because maybe you won’t admit to yourselves, that you find Mass boring. Which it is sometimes. Let’s be truthful. Jesus said that he would rather have us hot or cold, than luke warm anything else he’ll spit us out of his mouth.( It’s in scripture)

Pat … as said above I am one of the people who find screens extremely distracting and impossible to “tune out”. I have been a church musician week-in week-out for 31 years. I played for weddings and funerals and 2nd rite of reconciliations and church rehearsals and Taize services and ordinations and heaven knows what else in that time, often playing the same material over and over and over again. I think my boredom threshold is actually pretty high.

 

[OutinChgoburbs]

One more time:

The OP mentions a one-time event of a PP presentation sent out by the bishop as pastoral, to reach the greatest number of his flock at one time as uniformly as possible. It is the 21st century, so it is merely an extension of reading a pastoral- and the bishop knows the message will not be altered, esp. if he has the PP preparer password the PP.

The other stuff- bouncing balls, Missalettes on the screen, etc.- is not the same thing as the OP brought out.

 

[Lepanto]

The other stuff- bouncing balls, Missalettes on the screen, etc.- is not the same thing as the OP brought out.

But of course that’s what happens once the cat is out of the bag.

What’s next, a “Drive-In” Mass where you don’t even have to get out of the car? Mass begins at dusk!

 

[OutinChgoburbs]

But of course that’s what happens once the cat is out of the bag.

What’s next, a “Drive-In” Mass where you don’t even have to get out of the car? Mass begins at dusk!

Already happened in the 1960s. They had to get out of the car to receive Communion, though.

If priests would not fool with their bishops’ pastorals, or even ignore the pastorals, then bishops could trust them to read it from the pulpit, as they have doing for centuries. If bishops could trust people to come to meetings, and not misinterpret information, and not ask the same questions fifty times, then maybe they could go back to reading the pastoral. As it stands, that’s not likely to happen.

 

[yellowbird]

For those of who get easily distracted, you must get bored very quickly. Because maybe you won’t admit to yourselves, that you find Mass boring. Which it is sometimes. Let’s be truthful. Jesus said that he would rather have us hot or cold, than luke warm anything else he’ll spit us out of his mouth.( It’s in scripture)

I am never bored at mass. I am actually in AWE of mass & how totally scriptural it is. I would not have converted if I found mass “boring.”

But I am totally distracted by spinning images. It’s similar to when I click on a link and a flashing CONGRATULATIONS YOU JUST WON A FREE IPOD!!!

pops up. I don’t exit out because I’m “bored” or “lukewarm” - I exit out because I’m annoyed. Same thing.

I don’t need a cheesy image of a babbling brook to inspire me. Being in the presence of my Lord is enough. Maybe it helps you though - those “aids?”

 

[Cat]

I am never bored at mass. I am actually in AWE of mass & how totally scriptural it is. I would not have converted if I found mass “boring.”

But I am totally distracted by spinning images. It’s similar to when I click on a link and a flashing CONGRATULATIONS YOU JUST WON A FREE IPOD!!!

pops up. I don’t exit out because I’m “bored” or “lukewarm” - I exit out because I’m annoyed. Same thing.

I don’t need a cheesy image of a babbling brook to inspire me. Being in the presence of my Lord is enough. Maybe it helps you though - those “aids?”

Actually, yes, those “aids” do help me. Does that mean something “bad” about me? From the way you phrased your sentence, that’s the impression I’m getting.

If they aren’t there, I’m OK with it. But if they are there, I’m OK, too.

When you’re born and raised and live 40+ years in the evangelical Protestant churches, one thing you learn to live with and even enjoy is variety.

 

[yellowbird]

Actually, yes, those “aids” do help me. Does that mean something “bad” about me? From the way you phrased your sentence, that’s the impression I’m getting.

If they aren’t there, I’m OK with it. But if they are there, I’m OK, too.

When you’re born and raised and live 40+ years in the evangelical Protestant churches, one thing you learn to live with and even enjoy is variety.

No, nothing wrong with you. I was responding to another poster who suggested that those like me, who DO find them distracting, are actually bored & lukewarm whom Jesus will spit out of His mouth.

 

[Guitar]

One more time:

The OP mentions a one-time event of a PP presentation sent out by the bishop as pastoral, to reach the greatest number of his flock at one time as uniformly as possible. It is the 21st century, so it is merely an extension of reading a pastoral- and the bishop knows the message will not be altered, esp. if he has the PP preparer password the PP.

The other stuff- bouncing balls, Missalettes on the screen, etc.- is not the same thing as the OP brought out.

Quite so, 'burbs.

What the OP describes seems reasonable as long as it occurs in the place where announcements etc are permitted - especially if it is an important matter and the bishop really wants everyone to hear what he says. Aside from those who receive communion and then sail out the door immediately, there is a “captive audience” prior to the dismissal and it’s nearly impossible to get people to stay afterwards - sad, but reality. One must not bend the rules because of that, of course, but there is a permissable spot for announcements. We’ve had taped pastoral letters from the cardinal before (and even used to have a taped homily from him on the first Sunday of Lent) and in principle, this is little different. The visual isn’t necessary but these days it probably would take as much effort if not more to record and distribute just the audio.

 

[Spiller]

Hi EasterJoy,
We have the projector hidden to much of the congregation by having a sanctuary ceiling cross beam conceal the placement. You either have to be in the actual sanctuary or in the very first couple of rows of pews to see it. The placement of the screen (automated-lowered or raised) is against the wall of the sanctuary. It’s in close proximity to the large wall crucifix and tabernacle. This could lead to a good distraction. If your eyes wonder off the PowerPoint. You could easily focus on the crucifix and tabernacle for reflection.

Again let me say that the whole Mass is up on PP. The readings, the spoken responses, when to kneel, other postures, Fathers spoken parts (No we don’t say his parts with him. It’s helps to follow along better.), Order of the Mass, it helps sets the tone for Mass (Yes, that’s done before Mass. That usually is done with a PP slide with a picture and words that convey what the theme is.)
THIS IS A WORSHIP AID! Nothing more, nothing less.

On Mass distractions. Can ANYBODY guarantee a totally distraction free Mass? OF or EF? Are there not young children who cry and fidget? Does not Father do or say something that causes a distraction? Do not people walk in late for church? Or leave early? Does not the turning of pages of the missal,missalette,song books, and other books cause peolple to lose their focus? A Lector that loses his or her place? An over zealous musician, cantor,choir starts too soon? A handicapped person in a wheelchair? A person using a walking aid trying to sit down? Somebody sneezes, coughs or makes other bodily sounds? Somebody using perfume/colonge? People whispering or talking? Pepole writing checks for the collection? What people wear? Somebody having a medical emergency at Mass? Approaching sirens, ambulance personnel, walking into Mass, tending to the victim? Power surges or outages? Sound system feedback or going out? These are just a few of Mass distractions, that you might find, if people attend every Sunday and Holy days.

So, you see there are good Mass distractions. But there are not called distractions. These are enhancements, worship aids, They are meant for people to participate more fully, then just sitting like an unmovable statue.

You know, you really are right. If executed will, visual aids can be powerful tools. It’s simply ignorant to label them “Protestant-only” and then discount them on that basis

That said, too many parishes (including Protestant parishes) misuse AV aids or they use them poorly. In more than a few churches I have been in, computer crashes, non-proofed PP presentations, poorly operated, and scratchy (yet digital) music is the “standard” they adhere to. Others are impeccable and very valuable additions…

 

[Tsuwano]

I’m not a liturgist, but I would think it very rare, if ever, that a power point presentation, or a video for that matter, is appropriate for the liturgy. The Mass is not a class or public service forum. It certainly isn’t an entertainment or some sort of parish meeting. It is a prayerful sacrifice and it’s purpose is to offer praise and worship to God through which we recognize his presence among us. I’m afraid I would find a power point presentation extremely distracting and lacking in the means to enable the Christian community to focus in prayer on the central sacrifice of the Mass. I would be very interested in hearing what a professional liturgist has to say on the matter.

 

[Lepanto]

Well why not have marker boards too?

theradiokitchen.net/wp-content/uploads/image/PastorMelissa.jpg

 

[PatrickJT914]

In addition, at this same parish:

–The PowerPoints run on multiple projectors/screens. It’s in your face whether you want it or not.

–They start running it 15 minutes before Mass starts. During this time, they run a number of announcements pertaining to committee meetings, youth events, coffee & donuts, singles dances, and other such notices. They remind me of the commercials you’ll see in a movie theater before the actual movie starts. All they’re missing is a commercial from the local Ford dealership or real estate office. Very tacky and completely disruptive to personal prayer in preparation for Mass.

–The pictures used during the Mass are almost always New Agey. Mountains, babbling brooks, blue skies, flowers, etc. Almost never is there a recognizably Christian image.

–And most egregiously, the author of the PowerPoint actually CHANGES THE WORDS of the various prayers! For example, the Nicene Creed is altered to remove masculine references.

And for all the thousands of dollars spent on this equipment, this parish doesn’t even have a crucifix on or near the sanctuary. What are the priorities here?

Is it a sin to pray for the projectors’ bulbs to burn out during Mass?

Hi Lepanto,

I can’t really comment on your parish. Only on what mine does as an example.

We don’t have multiple projectors. Only one in church. It’s above the sanctuary hidden behind a ceiling cross beam. The vast majority of people can’t see the projector.

Ours usually don’t run that long, unless there is another Mass right after the previous one. We don’t run our announcements, unless it’s about cell phones and pagers being turned off during Mass. We make our announcements at the proper time and remind people to take a parish bulletin. At the beginning of the Mass PP there is a slide with the theme of the Mass (i.e. St. Peter and St. Paul, 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time) and usually a Catholic picture that goes with the theme. I think ours are more reverent. Some people may use the opening PP slide as a reflection, before Mass. Today for example SS Peter & Paul Day, there was a graphic with the both of them, side by side. You could think about their life and mission. How am I like or not like them,etc. That’s how a distraction can be turned into a positive prayerful experience.

Sure some of the pictures we use are of nature. (1-2) As well as Christian images. But those nature pictures can also be used for reflection. Example: See how wonderful a Creator we have in God.

Changing the words are not good. Is it all the time or random? Fortunately I believe my parish doesn’t change the words.

Sorry to hear that parish doesn’t have crucifix. A Catholic church without a crucifix is not a Catholic church. Our parish crucifix has been the same since our church was built in 1953.

Is it a sin to pray for the projectors’ bulb to burn out during Mass? I’m not sure. But I will tell you one thing, those bulbs are not cheap. The cost for our projector bulb is $400. Father told us because somebody didn’t handle the bulb properly. and so we had to get another one. They are supposed to last for a very long time with correct handling.

 

[PatrickJT914]

It’s unbelievable that people will defend the use of powerpoint during Mass. It’s incredible how thoroughly people have lost the sense of the sacred. A big flashing distraction is somehow considered conducive to offering the Holy Sacrifice? It’s a mockery of Our Lord - nothing less.

This sort of novelty is completely foreign to the spirit of the liturgy. I’m so grateful that I’ve managed to escape this insanity.

Hello Dauphin,

Yes I will still continue to defend the use of PP in the Mass when it done properly. How? When it is used to instruct and guide people on how to follow the Mass. Especially for newcomers, lapsed Catholics who return to church, possible converts, or to anybody that wants to understand the ebb and flow of the Mass. Even to Catholics that may not speak a particular language (i.e. Spanish speaker attending an English Mass or vice-versa). When the pictures are not graphic. When not over used. Are more of a Catholic nature. Has all the responses and readings of the Mass. Is not used as excuse to put the parish announcements. Does not become a show unto itself. The images do not flash, or project bright light. Turned off or goes to black screen when a malfunction occurs.

In my parish there isn’t any flashing effect at all. It’s more subdued. Regarding your blanket statement that people have lost a sense of sacredness is partially true. However, how can you judge? How do know what people feel or think? Let’s look at the meaning of the word sacred.

1. Dedicated to or set apart for the worship of a deity
2. Worthy of religious veneration
3. Made or declared holy
4. Worthy of respect, venerable
   That’s the definition of sacred take it for what it’s worth.

How can you say it’s a mockery of Jesus? Remember Jesus taught all the time. PowerPoint is a way of teaching on how to do Mass properly.

This novelity is completely foreign to the liturgy? I suppose electric lights, microphones & sound systems, televised Masses, air conditioning, and anything else that has been introduced into the liturgy in 2000 yrs. At one time were called novelities.

 

[PatrickJT914]

Around the anniversary of Roe V. Wade we visited a neighboring parish who use PP during mass. Images twirling across the screen were a TOTAL distraction IMO.

But that was nothing compared to what followed: Someone spoke about our needing to continually pray to end abortion and graphic bloody images of aborted babies flahed up on the giant screen. I had to dive across the pew to cover my young children’s eyes.

That mass should’ve come with a PG13 rating.

Hello yellowbird,

In a case like that, it shouldn’t been allowed. It was very inappropriate. They wasted and misused an opportunity to teach about the Mass.

 

[PatrickJT914]

Don’t be insulting. PowerPoint is not Mass.

There is a Mass going on, and at the same time, there is a PowerPoint going on. In the same room.
How could it not be distracting? People are trying to focus on the Mass. Meanwhile, this big bright box thing is flickering and flashing at the front of the Church. Yes, it’s distracting, and no, it’s not because people are “bored at Mass.” They are trying to concentrate on the Mass, while this big bright thing that is not the Mass and has no business being at Mass is dancing and flashing around up there.

You cannot simultaneously close your eyes to ignore the brightness and flashiness of the PowerPoint, while at the same time open your eyes to gaze in adoration at the Lord. It is just physically impossible - you cannot walk into the room and will yourself to not know that there is a PowerPoint going on in the middle of the Mass.

Hello jmcrae,

How am I insulting? Yes, I know PP is not Mass. But like I said it is meant to be a worship aid, just like the old missals that helped people follow along with TLM. And the ones for the OF. Only bigger and some cases easier to read than print.

There are so many other ways people can be distracted at Mass. Why single out something that has useful function? You mean to tell me that you can’t refocus back onto the Mass? By the way my parish does not have a big bright box that flickers or flashes. So, that part doesn’t cause any distractions. PowerPoint done properly can help you focus even more on the Mass. By seeing images, words, that you can mediate or reflect on. Especially since it’s tied to the day’s Mass.

You know what I notice at my parish? The people look at the most important times during the Eucharistic prayer and actions. They don’t look until it’s time for the people to respond. Even then some peolpe know what to say.

It’s not physically impossible, you just have to train yourself.

 

[Newbie2]

I have heard it all…WORSHIP AID? you have got to be kidding me.

Isn’t a microphone a “worship aid”?

And how many times have we all been “distracted” by a feedback squeal, the Lector “popping their P’s” the priest forgetting to turn on or off his wireless microphone: “The body of Christ…The body of Christ…the body of Christ”.

Methinks technology can enhance the mass; it’s a matter of how reverently it can be accomplished. Personally, I prefer not to have any screens or projectors going during the mass, but I can see how it could be beneficial for some during a homily. During the Liturgy of the Eucharist…no.

 

[peregrinus_sg]

I wonder if those parishes that use PP for the Mass prayers also include the rubrics to bow deeply at the words “he was incarnate of the Virgin Mary and was made man”, or to bow the heads at the mention of the Trinity, or the holy names of Jesus and Mary.

While Mass has a didactic nature, it is first and foremost the worship of Jesus Christ and his Church united to him. PP may be useful for teaching, though as an educator, it is neither the only method of instruction or the best method of instruction to the young. When PP is used, the screen is the focus of attention. Similarly for most people, the screen will the focus much of the time when PP is used at Mass. What about attention focussed on the sacred action going on in the sanctuary? What about participation by being aware of what’s happening at the altar, at the chair, at the ambo etc? For me, I find it difficult to give due attention to what’s happening when the screen is used, and unfortunately this is imposed on me without a choice. I could choose not to use missalettes, I could choose to put on layers if I find the air-conditioning too cold, but short of plucking out my eyes, I can’t think of a way to lessen distraction from changing slideshows.

 

[OutinChgoburbs]

Once again, yet again-

The OP is not talking about parishes where PP is a regular part of the liturgical experience.

 

[jmcrae]

Hello Dauphin,

Yes I will still continue to defend the use of PP in the Mass when it done properly. How? When it is used to instruct and guide people on how to follow the Mass.

According to our Bishop here in Calgary, the time to instruct people on the Mass is in RCIA classes and in Catechism or Religion classes, or else in a series of pamphlets included in the Bulletin or made available at the coffee hour. Not at the Mass itself.

The Mass itself should (normally) proceed without announcement and without instructions. The only exceptions would be a special Mass held for children in Grade 2 who are being instructed in the rubrics of the Mass (with no one else present except their teachers and parents) and a similar “instructions Mass” for persons in the Period of Mystagogia, in the RCIA process - again, with nobody else present except their teachers and sponsors.

Our Deacon got a thorough talking-to from the Bishop one time, for instructing a child on how to hold his hands to receive the Eucharist during a regular Sunday Mass. If this is forbidden, then surely a PowerPoint presentation must also be forbidden, no?

 

[Spiller]

One thing I have always thought would be cool is to put flat-panel LCDs in picture frames around a church. On any given feast/solemnity, scans of famous icons of the saint(s) of the day could be displayed with a few keystrokes. I think they would be FAR superior in many ways to static icons.