TV on Altar

[Chrismasfetus]

Is a TV allowed on the altar for any reason? At one point in the year, every year, at my parish, a TV is placed on the altar during the “Bishop’s Annual Appeal”, where all parishioners are asked by the Bishop to give up their time, talents, and treasure to the Church. Since the Bishop obviously cannot visit every single parish in my diocese, the homily is usually cut short and we watch of recorded video of the Bishop.

Is having a TV on the altar during Mass okay? It seems a bit disrespectful, don’t you think?

 

[thann]

No, a TV certainly cannot be placed on the altar. There are very few things actually allowed to be placed on the altar – I can’t recall the list right now, but TV is not among them!

Once when our director of religious education was having some ceremony in church (one of her wacky new-age things, but I digress…), she placed a globe on the altar. Our pastor came in, rather furious, and walked up to the altar and removed the globe.

The altar is not just another table.

'thann

 

[thann]

Here is the information regarding appointments for the altar from the General Instruction of the Roman Missal:

1. Moderation should be observed in the decoration of the altar.

During Advent the floral decoration of the altar should be marked by a moderation suited to the character of this season, without expressing prematurely the full joy of the Nativity of the Lord. During Lent it is forbidden for the altar to be decorated with flowers. Laetare Sunday (Fourth Sunday of Lent), Solemnities, and Feasts are exceptions.

Floral decorations should always be done with moderation and placed around the altar rather than on its mensa.

1. Only what is required for the celebration of the Mass may be placed on the mensa of the altar: namely, from the beginning of the celebration until the proclamation of the Gospel, the Book of the Gospels; then from the Presentation of the Gifts until the purification of the vessels, the chalice with the paten, a ciborium if necessary, and, finally, the corporal, the purificator, the pall, and the Missal.

In addition, microphones that may be needed to amplify the priest’s voice should be arranged discreetly.

1. The candles, which are required at every liturgical service out of reverence and on account of the festiveness of the celebration (cf. above, no. 117), are to be appropriately placed either on or around the altar in a way suited to the design of the altar and the sanctuary so that the whole may be well balanced and not interfere with the faithful’s clear view of what takes place at the altar or what is placed on it.
2. There is also to be a cross, with the figure of Christ crucified upon it, either on the altar or near it, where it is clearly visible to the assembled congregation. It is appropriate that such a cross, which calls to mind for the faithful the saving Passion of the Lord, remain near the altar even outside of liturgical celebrations.

'thann

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

Chrismasfetus:

Is a TV allowed on the altar for any reason? At one point in the year, every year, at my parish, a TV is placed on the altar during the “Bishop’s Annual Appeal”, where all parishioners are asked by the Bishop to give up their time, talents, and treasure to the Church. Since the Bishop obviously cannot visit every single parish in my diocese, the homily is usually cut short and we watch of recorded video of the Bishop.

Is having a TV on the altar during Mass okay? It seems a bit disrespectful, don’t you think?

Does the Consecration take place on top of the TV or in front of it?

NO, it is not proper for anything like a TV to be set upon the altar.

 

[Bill_A]

Satan would probably like for his tabernacle, the Tv to be placed there. Seems like they could have brought in a TV stand?

 

[Chrismasfetus]

My mistake! I mentioned ‘altar’ instead of sanctuary (I know the difference between the two and made a mistake in mentioning ‘altar’).

Is a TV allowed to be in the sanctuary? <------ that’s what I meant to say… sorry !

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

Chrismasfetus:

My mistake! I mentioned ‘altar’ instead of sanctuary (I know the difference between the two and made a mistake in mentioning ‘altar’).

Is a TV allowed to be in the sanctuary? <------ that’s what I meant to say… sorry !

Since it is the Bishops messge that is being viewed, yes. It should be out of the way for the other parts of the Mass.

 

[James_2_24]

Br. Rich SFO:

Since it is the Bishops messge that is being viewed, yes. It should be out of the way for the other parts of the Mass.

Can you please provide a source (i.e. Church document) for your answer?

Thanks

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

James_2:24:

Can you please provide a source (i.e. Church document) for your answer?

Thanks

I would look in the GIRM in the section on furnishings.