Video Screens

[ethelzguy]

Is there any specific prohibition against an overhead/video screen behind the altar at Mass?

We attended Mass today at a parish who’s church was closed for rennovation. They had Mass next door at the Parish/Community Center.

They had individual chairs, without kneelers, no missalettes or hymnals. They utilized an overhead projector and a screen behind the makeshift altar, on which was shown the lyrics to all the hymns, as well as the readings, responsorial psalm, and the Gospel.

We did take a peek in the church afterwards, and in the pews were the typical missalettes and hymnals, so the overhead was a make-do proposition, as opposed to a regular routine.

I am certain that there are those who will feel that the projector screen was “wrong”. But is there anything concrete in Church documents that would make this specifically wrong?

 

[Katie1723]

Today at Mass, we were told that 47 churches in our dioceses are closing. I would think you fortunate to have a place to attend mass…no matter the video screen.
Kathy

 

[MarieVeronica]

I’ve kind of wondered about this, myself. This is one of those “new” things that we’ve noticed… since our return to the Church.

Frequently, our parish will set up two BIG video screens… on either side of the altar and use them for purposes of fund raising, a message from the Archbishop and similar things. This is usually done during the homily part of the Mass.

Should they be doing this?

 

[japhy]

Is there any specific prohibition against an overhead/video screen behind the altar at Mass?

None that I know of.

They utilized an overhead projector and a screen behind the makeshift altar, on which was shown the lyrics to all the hymns, as well as the readings, responsorial psalm, and the Gospel.

Does the parish own any hymnals or missalettes? If so, were they also in use in the makeshift chapel? It would seem odd to me to eschew the (yes) “traditional” approach when there’s nothing preventing it from being used.

I think I’d also be a bit distracted by the projector and screen during the readings.

Personally, I find such things out of place.

 

[rotlex]

Today at Mass, we were told that 47 churches in our dioceses are closing. I would think you fortunate to have a place to attend mass…no matter the video screen.
Kathy

Ditto here. Allentown\Lehigh Valley area. This was perhaps one of the saddest things I have seen happen in a long time. One of the parishes closing, is the one, St. John’s Capistrano in Bethlehem PA, where I attended CCD as a child, was baptized etc. Very sad indeed.

In regards to the video screens? I see nothing wrong with it. My current parish puts up some temp screens from time to time when our diocese has something they want to show. Since the beginning of the year, we have had things such as The Bishops Annual Appeal information, Fishers of Men etc. shown around mass time. Personally? I enjoy it. While it may be “out of the norm” as far as tradition goes, I see it as a more modern way to spread information to the eh, masses.

 

[ethelzguy]

Does the parish own any hymnals or missalettes? If so, were they also in use in the makeshift chapel? It would seem odd to me to eschew the (yes) “traditional” approach when there’s nothing preventing it from being used.

We did look inside the church under renovation. They had missalettes and hymnals in the pew pockets.

They apparently did not bring them over to the temporary facility as there was no place to put them in the chairs…and the overhead was obviously a permanent fixture in the other building.

I thought it was rather resourceful, I just didn’t know if it was ok.
Our parish has used screens on the altar for other functions, but not at a Mass.