Technology and the Mass

[maryray]

I think that using every means to praise God’s glory is entirely appropriate- each of us likes a particular ‘style’ and ‘flavour’ of worship and providing it is most reverently in line with what the church allows and is being used to draw attention to towards the Lord (and not towards the technology inventor!) that seems okay by me. Personally my preference is a more traditional style BUT I think it would be awesome to worship in a church using technology in the way the OP has explained. After all, pipe organs and electric lights were once regarded as dangerously modern inventions. I think it sounds really refreshing to make technology that helps us in our worship OF God when so many people in 21st century worship technology as if it IS God!
Great ideas and imagination! Thanks for a vision (perhaps) of the future.

 

[Jegudiel]

I think that using every means to praise God’s glory is entirely appropriate- each of us likes a particular ‘style’ and ‘flavour’ of worship and providing it is most reverently in line with what the church allows and is being used to draw attention to towards the Lord (and not towards the technology inventor!) that seems okay by me. Personally my preference is a more traditional style BUT I think it would be awesome to worship in a church using technology in the way the OP has explained. After all, pipe organs and electric lights were once regarded as dangerously modern inventions. I think it sounds really refreshing to make technology that helps us in our worship OF God when so many people in 21st century worship technology as if it IS God!
Great ideas and imagination! Thanks for a vision (perhaps) of the future.

Even the Greek Orthodox are denigrated by some of their Orthodox brethren today because they allow the use of pipe organs. There were great arguments not too many generations ago about putting gas lights and then electric lights inside of churches. Many demanded (with few exceptions) that Mass only be celebrated during the day and that electricity be kept out of churches.

Some simply do not have the vision how beautiful what I described could be. I would not want every (or even more than a few) to be what I described but a few would be nice.

Thanks for your comments…

 

[Cathryn]

I would hate to lose the concept of walking the stations of the cross with Jesus. That is the purpose of the stations.

 

[Jegudiel]

I would hate to lose the concept of walking the stations of the cross with Jesus. That is the purpose of the stations.

Why would you? There would still be an individual video panel (topped by a cross) for each station. The only difference is that the sets of station artwork would change.

One set might be high resolution images of original artwork commissioned by the parish. Other sets could be high resolution photographs of stations from famous churches around the world. One set of stations might be Eastern icons, etc. etc.

I like the idea of making the panels touch screens too. If you want an explanation of the station (what’s taking place) press one soft button. If you want to know the history of the artwork press another soft button. If you want an example of 1-2 appropriate prayers for that station press a third soft button.

 

[Cathryn]

A problem I see is that those who before and after Mass just want to pray in front of the Blessed Sacrament in the tabernacle are going to have flashing images on screens all around them. Some people would be entertained, educated, etc., but others will want as few distractions as possible. I can also see people wanting to make comments to one another about images they are seeing, that others don’t want to hear. It would make a great interactive Catholic museum, but not for Mass.

 

[Luna_Lovecraft]

And of course none of this speaks to the increased cost to the parish community of installation and maintenance. Monies that can be used elsewhere like the parish school, or various charitable works.

You hit it…

If my Church were to employ 1/3 of what’s been suggested here, I’d start asking why the food pantry or home health ministry wasn’t expanded instead.

And I doubt I’d be the only one asking similar questions.

 

[Jegudiel]

A problem I see is that those who before and after Mass just want to pray in front of the Blessed Sacrament in the tabernacle are going to have flashing images on screens all around them. Some people would be entertained, educated, etc., but others will want as few distractions as possible. I can also see people wanting to make comments to one another about images they are seeing, that others don’t want to hear. It would make a great interactive Catholic museum, but not for Mass.

What “flashing images?”

You’re really not comprehending what I described…

The panels would revert from either a “veiled” status or displaying a saint back to the stations. That transition might take a from 1-10 seconds depending on how gradual you would want it. That would be it.

I would LOVE to hear people very quietly discussing the stations. That’s far healthier than what most people do today – ignore them.

Some just lack the vision…

 

[Jegudiel]

You hit it…

If my Church were to employ 1/3 of what’s been suggested here, I’d start asking why the food pantry or home health ministry wasn’t expanded instead.

And I doubt I’d be the only one asking similar questions.

This is the same horrid lie that people use when they attack the Church over the riches of the Vatican. Very, very disingenuous to say the least

Using your logic why not sell the Church property and use the proceeds to buy food? At the very least why not sell all the furnishings inside of all the churches to buy food?

You sound like you prefer an all-white puritanical protestant room with a bare concrete floor like the ones in New England.

 

[Jegudiel]

I really detest when people use the “why wasn’t the money used to clothe and feed the homeless?” anytime they dislike something. It one of the most predictable and disingenuous “arguments” out there in the world of faith.

Anti-Catholic bigots often attack the riches of the Holy See. Or they attack the great amount of money spent each year to maintain those riches. The same people attack nice churches and cathedrals. You don’t like it? Use the good old “why wasn’t the money used to clothe and feed the homeless”?

They are going to spend something like $750K to remodel the two halls and kitchen at my parish. What’s the first thing the naysayers spew out? “Why wasn’t the money used to clothe and feed the homeless”? The real answer (which they don’t want to hear) is that the benefactors footing the bill already give plenty to social justice causes and aren’t likely to give more. Then again those spewing “why wasn’t the money used to clothe and feed the homeless?” are asking that not because they really care but actually as a means to attack that which they do not like.

 

[Stylites]

Nice dreaming of something which would be beautiful to behold. Sometimes we have to dress up our own delivery of words and learn how to take constructive criticism without lashing out at others who do not share our vision.

 

[TheRealJuliane]

I do not mind some technology used during Mass to do things like project the responses and hymn lyrics. I would rather have real bells rang during the Consecration and other parts by a server. I do not mind the wireless mics the priest uses to project his voice. Music should played using an instrument by a person (piano or organ preferred) being led by a cantor. I know I have grown up with computers but at the same time, Mass should not all about the technology to bring it to life.

I attend a parish with screens, no hymnals. Sometimes the lyrics don’t match the cantor, or the projectionist puts up the wrong one, or heaven forbid, the whole system fails. Then we are up the creek without a paddle and without a hymnal, either. I do not like this at all. It is too open to human error and technological failure.

Plus, I used to be able to follow the tune in the hymnal. Now, I’m lost with no anchor! Just the words and no written notes! It’s awful.

 

[Jegudiel]

Nice dreaming of something which would be beautiful to behold. Sometimes we have to dress up our own delivery of words and learn how to take constructive criticism without lashing out at others who do not share our vision.

That goes for both sides…

There is also a huge distinction between constructive criticism and attacks like the good old “why wasn’t the money used to clothe and feed the homeless?” which I find to be terribly offensive anytime someone uses it as a weapon to degrade that which they do not like.

 

[Jegudiel]

I attend a parish with screens, no hymnals. Sometimes the lyrics don’t match the cantor, or the projectionist puts up the wrong one, or heaven forbid, the whole system fails. Then we are up the creek without a paddle and without a hymnal, either. I do not like this at all. It is too open to human error and technological failure.

Plus, I used to be able to follow the tune in the hymnal. Now, I’m lost with no anchor! Just the words and no written notes! It’s awful.

So because they don’t make the effort to do things right, that’s a reason to denigrate using video screens? I think not. I suspect there are thousands of parishes that use such technology with great success.

 

[Stylites]

That goes for both sides…

There is also a huge distinction between constructive criticism and attacks like the good old “why wasn’t the money used to clothe and feed the homeless?” which I find to be terribly offensive anytime someone uses it as a weapon to degrade that which they do not like.

Oh really? I’m sorry to hear you were terribly offended by words so innocent and reasonable. At any rate good luck with your wonderful project and write back when you have something concrete to share.

 

[Luna_Lovecraft]

Using your logic why not sell the Church property and use the proceeds to buy food? At the very least why not sell all the furnishings inside of all the churches to buy food?

False.

The books, artwork, and other Vatican treasures are that - treasures. They are not ours, they belong to humanity, and the Vatican wisely keeps them safe for our children and our children’s children.

What’s housed at the Vatican is in no way comparable to an expensive sound system, which no matter how cutting edge when purchased will nevertheless be obsolete in 18 months, will break, be in need of repairs, etc. No thanks.

Actually, video screens, taped music, and lighting effects remind me of the few megachuch Protestant services I’ve attended.

And I still would seriously question such extravagances being installed in my parish with so many unemployed workers and hungry families in our midst. I’m just weird like that.

Luna

 

[Jegudiel]

Oh really? I’m sorry to hear you were terribly offended by words so innocent and reasonable. At any rate good luck with your wonderful project and write back when you have something concrete to share.

No. The proffered excuse of “why wasn’t the money used to clothe and feed the homeless?” is too often done to denigrate something people don’t like. I suspect that’s why you offered it up. This is true particularly in the area of faith and particularly with regard to the Catholic Church.

What I described just might facilitate the spiritual nourishment of souls – something totally forgotten by the “why wasn’t the money used to clothe and feed the homeless?” crowd. Build that something that helps to nourish the faithful in a spiritual manner is also a wonderful way to show respect for God by nourishing His People.

 

[Jegudiel]

False.

The books, artwork, and other Vatican treasures are that - treasures. They are not ours, they belong to humanity, and the Vatican wisely keeps them safe for our children and our children’s children.

What’s housed at the Vatican is in no way comparable to an expensive sound system, which no matter how cutting edge when purchased will nevertheless be obsolete in 18 months, will break, be in need of repairs, etc. No thanks.

Actually, video screens, taped music, and lighting effects remind me of the few megachuch Protestant services I’ve attended.

And I still would seriously question such extravagances being installed in my parish with so many unemployed workers and hungry families in our midst. I’m just weird like that.

Luna

Oh, no, you’re confused…

“Why isn’t the money used to clothe and feed the homeless?”

Sell it off and use the money to cloth and feed the homeless! Just think – the annual peter’s pence worldwide collection can then go to clothing and feeding the homeless and not on maintaining the treasures of the Holy See.

Let’s empty out the Catholic churches around the world! Lots of precious metals and stones to be sold in order to better feed and clothe the homeless. Sell it all. Sell the property and meet in the park.

So often anti-Catholic bigots use such words to attack the Church. It was very sad to see them used here.

 

[ConstantineTG]

I was thinking about the different ways technology can be fruitfully applied to the celebration of the Mass. I am a huge believer in using all five senses when it comes to worship. Some parishes are already doing some of the following.

Soft, appropriate, pre-recorded music would play before and after Mass unless of course live music was available. I think this might help the talking problem in some churches.

I would have several very large flat-screen video panels that would display the stations of the cross and the saint of the day. In addition to original artwork the monitors could be used to display images of stations from famous churches around the world. A video window could be added to give historical information about the image and/or to explain the specific station. When the Mass procession began, the images would be electronically “veiled” so the focus would be upon the altar and no where else. The color of the “veils” could follow the liturgical seasons.

The entire church would be fairly well lit but the nave would slowly become less bright during the procession. The sanctuary would remain fairly bright with the ambo area being lit the brightest during the readings.

During the Liturgy of the Eucharist the lighting level in the sanctuary would be dimmed to match the nave except for the altar area which would be softly spotlighted. Anyone thinking this would be “disruptive” has never been to a well managed performing arts venue.

The church’s bells would ring remotely before and after Mass and possibly during the Gloria. One of the bells would be tolled remotely during the epiclesis and major elevations as allowed by the Mass rubrics.

During the Great Amen the entire church would be softly be re-lit to show joy and to make things safe for communion.

I suspect I might use very discreet video panels to display lyrics, the readings and prayers as well. This would take a lot of thought and diligence because far too many churches do this poorly and it can detract from the Mass. It would be nice not to need hymnals/missalettes anymore.

The tabernacle would be designed to focus people’s attention to it unlike any other tabernacle I have seen. It might be made of opaque bulletproof glass and lit from the inside (much like Old Mission Santa Barbara’s Tabernacle) or it might be conventionally lit with theatrical lighting to make it look awesome.

No question that it would have to be done right or not at all. Sometimes it’s nice to dream…

Have you ever been to an Eastern Catholic or Orthodox parish? We’ve found a way to engage all 5 senses with technology that is at least 1500 years old.

 

[Jegudiel]

Have you ever been to an Eastern Catholic or Orthodox parish? We’ve found a way to engage all 5 senses with technology that is at least 1500 years old.

I attend one almost weekly. While I appreciate the DL I find the churches to be too small and far, far too cluttered for my taste.

While I appreciate the history (and to some degree the supposed meaning) of the iconstasis I do not like them. They simply block too much of my* visual* sense.

I also don’t care for the total absence of musical instruments. The thunder of pipe organs has a very special place in my heart. I also don’t think the East ever developed the use of bells (particularly swinging bells and carillons) to the level they have been in the West. So there goes the audio sense.

 

[Elizium23]

I am sorry to force the OP to repeat himself again and again, but I will echo what many others have said because it is also my opinion.

The things you suggest are not envisioned by the rubrics of the Roman Missal (or any other Missal.) The things you suggest demand a technology level far above what is acceptable for Christian liturgy. The things you suggest would turn it into a theater performance, nay, a circus act.

Liturgy is the work of the people glorifying God, not ourselves.

Jegudiel, you have not produced a single citation or Church document to reinforce the assertions you have repeatedly made in this thread. Enough of assertions. Give me facts. I want to see documents and studies which prove that you are correct and all the rest of us are wrong. The onus is on you.