CBCN directive on TV Broadcast of Holy Mass

To:       All priests/persons involved in Broadcast of Holy Mass
From: The National Directorate of Social Communications, CSN, Abuja
Date:   8th December, 2021

Very dear Msgrs./Frs., Brothers & Sisters,

CBCN DIRECTIVE ON LIVE BROADCAST OF HOLY MASS

1. Warm greetings to you from the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN).

2. This comes to express our profound gratitude to you for hosting live broadcast of Holy Mass and wish to draw your attention to the following points.

3a.The Vatican II document, Sacrosanctum Concilium, states thus:

“Transmissions of the sacred rites by radio and television shall be done with discretion and dignity, under the leadership and direction of a suitable person appointed for this office by the bishops. This is especially important when the service to be broadcast is the Mass.” (Issued on 4th December, 1963)

3b.In the same vein, Communio et Progressio instructs that:

“Both in their technical and in their religious aspects, such transmissions (Masses) must be carefully prepared in advance…Those who are given the task of preaching in this way should, therefore, be carefully chosen from among those who have a sound practical knowledge of the technique of broadcasting.” (Issued on 23rd May 1971 by the Pontifical Council for Social Communications)

4. Following from the above instructions regarding the manner of broadcast of the Holy Mass, the CBCN hereby directs as follows:
a. Every Mass to be broadcast must be adequately prepared for. The choir should preferably use familiar Catholic hymns, instead of hymns from their file, so that the congregation (including those at home) can easily participate.

b. All liturgical ministers should be properly trained and rehearse for such Masses. The altar servers should be adequately instructed on what to do at every point of the Holy Mass. The best lectors should take the readings; the
responsorial psalm should also be taken by the best cantor and the tone used should be simple. No room for experiments or trying to impress.

c. Announcement on money/collections should be limited so as not to expose the Church to security risks, and also in order to meet up with the time. As much as possible, harvest programs should not take place during such
Masses.

d. The congregation should be well instructed on how to comport themselves appropriately during Mass; especially in the areas of dressing, punctuality and active participation.

e. The priest should prepare his homily well and keep it short and simple.

f. The sound system should be at its best with sufficient efficient microphones provided, to avoid unnecessary movements on the altar.

g. Covid-19 protocols should still be maintained as much as possible, while adhering to the Archdiocesan/Diocesan regulations in this regard.

h. There is need to consciously provide adequate security for the broadcast equipment within the Church premises, in the event that they are set up overnight.

h. There is also need to pay attention to the welfare of the broadcast crew.

Thank you.
Signed,

Bishop Denis Chidi Isizoh
(Auxiliary Bishop of Onitsha Archdiocese)
CBCN Bishop Chairman for Communications

Released by the Office of the National Directorate of Social Communications, CSN,
Abuja. 09060006198. nigeriacatholicnetwork.com