Using a Missal at Mass

[babochka]

Oy! Last thing I want to see in Mass are people with “smart phones” or “iPads” out. In fact if I started to see this I would probably complain to the priest, who to begin with likely wouldn’t allow such a thing. Mass is about the last safe haven away from such annoyances, until inevitably someone’s cell phone in their pocket rings.

While he could certainly discourage it, I’m not sure that a pastor has the authority to forbid the use of electronic missals. I agree that it is difficult to get used to and I don’t prefer it, but it is the reality of our modern world. I’m afraid that we’re going to have to get used to it.

 

[Casilda]

I am receiving the Magnificat magazine, it helped me in the past when I was attending NO mass, as the missellettes in the pews were just chaotic to me. It contains the daily readings, some of the responses are in Latin, hymns, and articles on saints, etc. I do not need it anymore since I am now part of an Eastern parish and the liturgy and readings are different.

 

[johnnyc176]

I use an old St. Joseph’s Missal for the TLM.

 

[Sunbreak]

I picked the option of using the books provided in the pews. However, I don’t use them all the time.

 

[LisaB]

Ewtn used to have a show Web of faith, where two very conservative priests answered questions from viewers. One question was about electronic missals and prayer books, and they said they are fine. They suggested a book style cover for it to make it less distracting for others around, although I personally fail to see how a cover would make any difference.

I asked people to post their reasons against one because I’m trying to find out if there is truly an objective reason not to use it or if it’s just a matter of personal preference. I think as electronics become more and more commonplace, they will seem like less of a distraction.

The EF paper Missal is hard to follow. I have to keep flipping from section to section and don’t know the ordinary well enough to go without a missal. I found an app called imass that has the entire mass for each day with the readings all compiled together. So much more convenient. The app still needs major improvements I think, but has a potential of making mass LESS distracting because the user doesn’t need to keep flipping from one section of the missal to another.

 

[babochka]

I believe that they are wrong if the devices draw unnecessary attention to the person holding them. (Novelty items tend to do that.) We have enough distraction at Mass.

I don’t really think that we can consider electronic reading devices to be novelty devices at this point. I’m afraid they are here to stay.

 

[ProVobis]

The EF paper Missal is hard to follow. I have to keep flipping from section to section and don’t know the ordinary well enough to go without a missal. I found an app called imass that has the entire mass for each day with the readings all compiled together.

That would be nice.

There goes the joy of using ribbons though.

BTW, those without the app can find the EF readings here.

virgomaterdie.com/1962_propers/2014/index.htm

 

[ServusHumilis]

While he could certainly discourage it, I’m not sure that a pastor has the authority to forbid the use of electronic missals. I agree that it is difficult to get used to and I don’t prefer it, but it is the reality of our modern world. I’m afraid that we’re going to have to get used to it.

I think you’re quite wrong. If the parish has provided Missals in the pews, the pastor has every right to disallow them in his parish. In fact he could make an announcement at the beginning of Mass for everyone to turn their devices off and not begin the Mass until everyone complies… I’ve believe I’ve even seen signs posted in churches saying “Turn off your phones!” In school such things used to be confiscated if we had the gall to use them in class; the priest in my mind has every right to do the same in his church. I can already imagine the announcement my parish priest would make on the subject.

…I think as electronics become more and more commonplace, they will seem like less of a distraction…

Whether they’re becoming commonplace is irrelevant; that’s the problem! They’re not doing anything good for society. Such things have their place and Mass is not it. I think it would be quite pretentious to use such a thing in Mass to convenience yourself while others glare in disgust, indeed distracting them from what they’re there for.

 

[ServusHumilis]

While he could certainly discourage it, I’m not sure that a pastor has the authority to forbid the use of electronic missals. I agree that it is difficult to get used to and I don’t prefer it, but it is the reality of our modern world. I’m afraid that we’re going to have to get used to it.

I think you’re quite wrong. If the parish has provided Missals in the pews, the pastor has every right to disallow them in his parish. In fact he could make an announcement at the beginning of Mass for everyone to turn their devices off and not begin the Mass until everyone complies… I’ve believe I’ve even seen signs posted in churches saying “Turn off your phones!” In school such things used to be confiscated if we had the gall to use them in class; the priest in my mind has every right to do the same in his church.

…I think as electronics become more and more commonplace, they will seem like less of a distraction…

Whether they’re becoming commonplace is irrelevant; that’s the problem! Such devices have their place and Mass is not it. I think it would be quite pretentious and ignorant to sit and use such a thing in Mass to convenience oneself while others glare in disgust, indeed distracting them from what they’re there for.

 

[Rich_C]

Hi Rich C,

No, although I used to go there occasionally for daily mass when I worked nearby. Such a beautiful church! I’ve moved around a bit, but all the EF masses I’ve attended have been in Northern Virginia.

You’re right to note the freeing element of the EF mass. It allows you to pray silently or focus on your own personal devotion during mass. Wonderfully intimate!

God bless!

I may have seen you at the Friday low Mass before I stopped working in DC.

Yes, it’s nice. Once you get used to it, it can be hard to pray at the OF I find. You have to say a lot of things and I feel like father is looking to see if you’re paying attention, haha.

 

[TypesAndShadows]

Whether they’re becoming commonplace is irrelevant; that’s the problem! Such devices have their place and Mass is not it. I think it would be quite pretentious and ignorant to sit and use such a thing in Mass to convenience oneself while others glare in disgust, indeed distracting them from what they’re there for.

Whereas, of course, glaring in disgust at the people around you is unpretentious and enlightened, and doesn’t distract anyone from entering into the Mass! It’s especially not distracting for someone sufficiently unfamiliar with the Mass, and concerned about worshipping fully, that they need an app to guide them through it.

These new-fangled printed missals have no place in the Mass! It doesn’t matter how commonplace moveable type and reading by the laity has become, it has a place and Mass isn’t it!

 

[CB_Catholic]

I think you’re quite wrong. If the parish has provided Missals in the pews, the pastor has every right to disallow them in his parish. In fact he could make an announcement at the beginning of Mass for everyone to turn their devices off and not begin the Mass until everyone complies… I’ve believe I’ve even seen signs posted in churches saying “Turn off your phones!” In school such things used to be confiscated if we had the gall to use them in class; the priest in my mind has every right to do the same in his church.

Whether they’re becoming commonplace is irrelevant; that’s the problem! Such devices have their place and Mass is not it. I think it would be quite pretentious and ignorant to sit and use such a thing in Mass to convenience oneself while others glare in disgust, indeed distracting them from what they’re there for.

Are you saying you actually glare at people in disgust during Mass??? If not, why are you posting such a thing? If people are glaring at others in disgust, at Mass, of all places, shame, shame, shame on them. I do believe you highly exaggerate and somehow have blown this all out of proportion to what it is. I personally think it is quite “pretentious and ignorant” to glare at people during Mass because they use a silent, innocuous reading device like a tablet, which is smaller than a Missalette, or for any other reason. Why aren’t the eyes of these disgusted people on the altar, where they belong, instead of glaring in disgust at others?

This has nothing to do with respect. If we can use electricity and microphones, surely we can use a silent, small, hand-held reading device. You are totally and thoroughly off base here. Totally. Glaring at others at Mass

 

[ProVobis]

Why aren’t the eyes of these disgusted people on the altar, where they belong, instead of glaring in disgust at others?

If everyone’s eyes should be on the altar, why are you advocating hand-held electronic gadgets which obviously take their eyes away from it?

 

[CB_Catholic]

If everyone’s eyes should be on the altar, why are you advocating hand-held electronic gadgets which obviously take their eyes away from it?

That comeback means nothing, it’s just a snappy comeback that has no substance. You are not confused one bit,and well know these devices are used to help the users participate more fully in the Mass, just like Missals and Missalettes. But disgusted glares are aimed at their fellow Christians, not the altar, or even Missals. If people are doing this, they sure aren’t following the Mass, are they. There is no excuse for such behavior, even if one does not like something.

 

[Rich_C]

I once saw a gentleman using some kind of electronic tablet at our local TLM, apparently as a handmissal. Can’t say it bothered me. Part of what I like about the TLM is that you can participate however you want.

I would only object if: a) it made a loud noise, or b) if someone was using a backlit screen during tenebrae or a candlelit vigil where it would blind the people behind him.

 

[ProVobis]

But disgusted glares are aimed at their fellow Christians,

Disgust is just a reaction, and I would expect a certain amount of it under the circumstances. In a perfect world, there would be no disgust, no provocation, no irritations, only absolute understanding, but we don’t live in such a world, unfortunately.

 

[whipp711]

I bring “The Daily Roman Missal” from Midwest Theolgical Forum. It was confusing at first; but with practice, it is very handy. Also, my Parish has stopped printing the readings or placing missals in the pews (save money). Everyone must listen which is not an option with my electronic ears.

I am hearing impaired and the amplification used by the Priest and music people tend to over power and cause ringing with my hearing aids. I power down and read.

Additionally, our music director has chopped up the Gloria and Preface Accliamation (Eucharistic Prayer) to fit the music rather than the other way around. I’d rather read those parts in private contemplation.

I enjoy reading the missal before and after Mass. Many good prayers and devotions.

 

[Rich_C]

I bring “The Daily Roman Missal” from Midwest Theolgical Forum. It was confusing at first; but with practice, it is very handy. Also, my Parish has stopped printing the readings or placing missals in the pews (save money). Everyone must listen which is not an option with my electronic ears.

I am hearing impaired and the amplification used by the Priest and music people tend to over power and cause ringing with my hearing aids. I power down and read.

Additionally, our music director has chopped up the Gloria and Preface Accliamation (Eucharistic Prayer) to fit the music rather than the other way around. I’d rather read those parts in private contemplation.

I enjoy reading the missal before and after Mass. Many good prayers and devotions.

My wife uses this missal at daily Mass and loves it. From what I’ve seen of it, it must be one of the best.

 

[CHRISTINE77]

I have a St. Joseph Sunday Missal which I use, since our church no longer provides the written readings. I prefer to read along, and also there is a lot of interesting information about each reading in the Missal. I think it really enhances my experience at Mass.

 

[nickybr38]

Our parish has yearly missals in the pews. When I arrive at Mass I come early so I can pray the rosary. Then I pull out the missal and take a moment to read the readings and just be in quiet with God.

Once Mass starts I put the missal down except for the Confession of Faith which I still don’t know off by heart.

When I was converting, however, I clung to the missal throughout the Mass. It helped to guide and teach me. I am very thankful that was an option. I do not learn by listening> I learn through touch, smell, sight, hearing and practice.