Broadcast Why

Intermountain Catholic

First, allow me to dispel any creeping rumors which may have offended your religiosity: attending Mass in any way which does not actually include going to a church does not fulfill a Catholic's obligation to attend Mass. Watching Mass on these web pages or on TV, therefore, does not count as an excuse to miss Mass.

While we're on the topic, let's take a look at what real sources have to say regarding the celebration of Mass:

1. Canon Law

Canon 1247
On Sundays and other holy days of obligation the faithful are bound to participate in the Mass; they are also to abstain from those labors and business concerns which impede the worship to be rendered to God, the joy which is proper to the Lord's Day, or the proper relaxation of mind and body.

Canon 1248
   1. The precept of participating in the Mass is satisfied by assistance at a Mass which is celebrated anywhere in a Catholic rite either on the holy day or on the evening of the preceding day.
   2. If because of lack of a sacred minister or for other grave cause participation in the celebration of the Eucharist is impossible, it is specially recommended that the faithful take part in the liturgy of the word if it is celebrated in the parish church or in another sacred place according to the prescriptions of the diocesan bishop, or engage in prayer for an appropriate amount of time personally or in a family or, as occasion offers, in groups of families.

2. The Catechism of the Catholic Church

2182  Participation in the communal celebration of the Sunday Eucharist is a testimony of belonging and of being faithful to Christ and to his Church. The faithful give witness by this to their communion in faith and charity. Together they testify to God's holiness and their hope of salvation. They strengthen one another under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

2183  "If because of lack of a sacred minister or for other grave cause participation in the celebration of the Eucharist is impossible, it is specially recommended that the faithful take part in the Liturgy of the Word if it is celebrated in the parish church or in another sacred place according to the prescriptions of the diocesan bishop, or engage in prayer for an appropriate amount of time personally or in a family or, as occasion offers, in groups of families."

A day of grace and rest from work

2184 Just as God "rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had done," human life has a rhythm of work and rest. The institution of the Lord's Day helps everyone enjoy adequate rest and leisure to cultivate their familial, cultural, social, and religious lives.

2185 On Sundays and other holy days of obligation, the faithful are to refrain from engaging in work or activities that hinder the worship owed to God, the joy proper to the Lord's Day, the performance of the works of mercy, and the appropriate relaxation of mind and body. Family needs or important social service can legitimately excuse from the obligation of Sunday rest. The faithful should see to it that legitimate excuses do not lead to habits prejudicial to religion, family life, and health.

The charity of truth seeks holy leisure- the necessity of charity accepts just work.

2186 Those Christians who have leisure should be mindful of their brethren who have the same needs and the same rights, yet cannot rest from work because of poverty and misery. Sunday is traditionally consecrated by Christian piety to good works and humble service of the sick, the infirm, and the elderly. Christians will also sanctify Sunday by devoting time and care to their families and relatives, often difficult to do on other days of the week. Sunday is a time for reflection, silence, cultivation of the mind, and meditation which furthers the growth of the Christian interior life.

2187 Sanctifying Sundays and holy days requires a common effort. Every Christian should avoid making unnecessary demands on others that would hinder them from observing the Lord's Day. Traditional activities (sport, restaurants, etc.), and social necessities (public services, etc.), require some people to work on Sundays, but everyone should still take care to set aside sufficient time for leisure. With temperance and charity the faithful will see to it that they avoid the excesses and violence sometimes associated with popular leisure activities. In spite of economic constraints, public authorities should ensure citizens a time intended for rest and divine worship. Employers have a similar obligation toward their employees.

2188 In respecting religious liberty and the common good of all, Christians should seek recognition of Sundays and the Church's holy days.

Why, then, are we providing this service? Every member of our team has different reasons to give their time to put the Mass online. Here are a few big ideas.

The Diocese of Salt Lake City is very large. The Intermountain Catholic, as the newspaper of the Diocese, has an obligation to shorten the huge gulfs which separate the outposts of civilization speckled throughout Utah. We let our readers know there is more beyond their own communities, their communities are part of a much larger whole, and they as individuals are important in the life of the Church.

The offices of the Intermountain Catholic are on the same city block in Salt Lake City as the Diocesan Pastoral Center and the Cathedral of the Madeleine. The Cathedral is a beautiful place to go to Mass, with its strong tradition of musical excellence and unique decoration in a style which draws from many of the artistic traditions of the Roman Catholic Church while specific to our situation in Utah. It is a place unlike any other, and we are proud to show it to anyone who wishes to see it, wherever they may be.

We are called to reach out to the needy. Around the Diocese there are a number of organizations which specialize in the care of the poor. Not everyone who is in need of help, however, needs a sandwich or a shower. Many Catholics are homebound and so cannot participate even to go to Mass. With the Internet becoming more widespread and with faster connections becoming more available all the time, we can allow people who might never be able to hear or see a Mass in person to have some of the life of the Church given back to them.

By extension, we also reach out to those who deny themselves or who feel denied a place in the Church and so avoid Catholicism altogether.

We strive to do the best with the resources available to us. This project is supported entirely by donations and grants specifically for this work, and cannot continue without your support. Please help us continue to bring this service to you.