Are Video Images During Mass OK?

The Church directs that sacred images are to be placed in churches to aid the faithful in their prayerful worship (General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM) 318). These would include images of Jesus, our Lady and other saints, and the stations of the cross. The GIRM and other Church documents don’t preclude the use of other sacred images, whether on posters or via video with modern technology, for the homily. Such images should be in keeping with the sacred decorum of the Mass and should be used only for the homily, unless perhaps also for a special presentation at the end of Mass.

If video technology is used, the screen should be brought in for the homily and removed promptly afterward. This could conceivably include a screen that descended from the ceiling and then rolled back up to its inconspicuous place after the homily.

Pastors and their parish councils should consult their diocesan bishop, given his role as the local shepherd of the diocese, regarding the use of such technology.