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[...] that story I did last month on the iPad application for celebrating Mass? Jeff Miller actually found a real-life instance of [...]

This is a really cool idea. I would be excited to see the Church making use of some new technology in their every day affairs.

…We were are an outdoor Mass recently where they realized they needed the readings. One of the young men just popped out his iPhone, which had an app with all that, and lectored using it!

[...] Tom Peters at American Papist has a different take: I admire Fr. Padrini’s work but this might go a bit far. Certainly the first time you see a priest using an iPad on the altar it could distract from focusing on the Mass. And although I’m not aware of any specific prohibition against using electronics to read the text of the Mass, this might be viewed as a needless use of technology. After all, there is a symbolism to the sacred articles used at Mass that goes beyond their use. For instance, we still retain candles at Mass even though we have lightbulbs. [...]

Such a funny comment Laura!

I would struggle with that one..
I pray it does not make it to any TLM that I attend.
I know this will be a rub, but I think it would not be as difficult for me at the norvus ordo Because I keep my eyes cast down most of the time ,to keep from being scandalized by the liturgical abuses that often accompany it.

My only discomfort would be the Apple logo but if you put it in a leather bound cover then I don’t think anyone would notice. I’ve noticed little distractions like the Priest looking for the right ribbon to turn to. With software that distraction is eliminated.

There might be something more solemn about the use of the Sacramentary in large book form; however, used sobrely and simply, the Ipad seems fine. Obviously the celebrant shouldn’t be trying to draw attention to it: “Look at my ipad”. If it’s used as intended, i.e.: as an alternative to paper, I don’t see a problem. It strikes me that the Ipad is simply a means for the reproduction of the liturgical texts.

Hmm. Not sure what to think of that. Though the iBreviary sounds like a great idea. I’d love to see the shorter version of the Liturgy of the Hours for the iPhone, though for myself I prefer old-fashioned books.

Julie,

Thank you for the response.

I can see how it could make things easier but I think, as you noted, it could distract from the purpose of the Mass. As some have mentioned an iPad itself might not be a big deal but it leads to a slippery slope. Then again, I have become a Traditionalist so my view of the Mass is definitely a minority opinion.

For the rcord I am not a SSPX member and do not view the OF as illicit, it is just not properly reverent for my taste. (I mentioned my status in hopes of avoiding the OF vs. EF debate).

Dominus Vobiscum

KCHawk

I can also see this working in those areas where the mass is illegal.

I think that it’s a wonderful idea. Fidelity to liturgical norms does not include reproduction of liturgical texts solely on paper.

KCHawk, no one has said anything, as far as I know. The screens are useful for putting up the words to the songs. The pastor uses PowerPoint at times, not regularly. He uses it when there is something financial to be reported. Sometimes, when he is trying to make somethings very clear.
He uses his iPod to find quotes, etc while preaching. He is a very good preacher and doesn’t need any of this stuff. I wish it wasn’t there, but I dont’ hear anyone against it in actuality. Perhaps we are all asleep.

Carlos: You tell them, brother! This whole outrage is out of proportion, I think. After all, I never heard the most die-hard of Traditionalists complain about the priest speaking into a microphone during Consecration; but we’re used to THAT one, so it’s fine. THIS new piece of technology, however, is completely unacceptable! Not for any reason we can articulate, though; it just “feels wrong”.

Frankly, if the Missal was written in the ancient Inca talking knots, it would still be the Missal, and totally worthy of being used in an actual Mass. People really need to get off the visible accidents to see the actual essence. Missal is missal.

I agree with the candle/light bulb comparison. I think the ipod on the altar would be as jarring as denim vestments, which, I am sad to say, I have witnessed..

Do the #FF0000, say the #000000.

Oh, I don’t know. First, we handed down the Gospels orally, then we started to write them down. Eventually we went from scrolls to books. Scripture got translated into local languages at some point too. And we can’t forget about the invention of the printing press, which allowed us to be more efficient in sharing all of this. Is having an electronic version really that bad? Is it just the next step in how we pass on information? If it’s a distraction, it wouldn’t be for long as people adjust.

While it would take a little getting used to, IMHO what’s important is the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, not the medium you are reading the words from.

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