In light of the suspensions of public worship, may Catholics have asked, “Am I required to watch Mass?” in other words, is it a sin to not try to attend virtually, since it is impossible to go to Mass in person.
No, it is not required that you watch the Sacrifice of the Mass online or on TV (or to listen on the radio). Many people have expressed their frustration with the poor sound quality or lighting, the blurry picture and how the stream breaks up here and there, maybe they don’t realize we are using a cell phone to livestream at Prince of Peace, but if it bothers you so much, you’re in the clear — you are not obligated to watch.
Archbishop Naumann has dispensed all Catholics in our Archdiocese from your Sunday obligation, but everyone should still, to the best of their ability, keep Sunday holy in following the commandment to do so.
Here are some suggestions as to how you might do so:
1. Do not Work on Sunday. For those who are working from home, the temptation might be to do some catch up work or to continue to do your normal routine, but fight this with your whole heart. Sunday belongs to the Lord and should be different from any other day.
2. Watch or Listen to Mass. You do not have to, but it is praiseworthy — watch the entire Mass and participate too. We are able to track how people are watching our livestream Masses and the average watch time of a 58 minute video Mass at Prince of Peace is under 14 minutes. Don't just watch for the homily — participate in the entire sacrifice.
3. Read the Sunday Readings and discuss them. I would think watching Mass at home has too many distractions, and could be too similar to what you do when watching movies, TV shows or playing games. Read the readings out loud. Spend an hour in prayer over the scripture readings and discuss them with those with you in your home. Share some prayer intentions and reflect for an hour.
4. Pray the Liturgy of the Hours. This prayer is grounded in the traditions of the first Christians who gathered to recite Psalms and the Our Father, this method of prayer continues and is prayed by priests and religious daily. There are many great apps you can use to learn more, or to pray with, such as iBreviary, Laudate, Divine Office, etc.
5. Change your routine. Maybe on Sunday you could make a “no TV” rule or have a game night. Go for a walk as a family or by yourself. Take up another devotional prayer such as the Rosary.
Keeping Sunday holy means claiming time for God. This is done principally in the formal, official worship of the Church, the Mass. The priest stands for Christ and offers back to the Father every prayer and heavenly blessing. WE can still unite our hearts to the sacrifice of the Mass. We are still called to keep it holy.
This is a time of deprivation and sacrifice, but a time for new and fruitful opportunities. Let us ask God to make these days fruitful, and focused on our mission as His sons and daughters.