Prudence in the Use of Gadgets during Mass

In an era where smartphones and gadgets have become essential tools, it’s natural to bring them along to Mass, perhaps even with the good intention of enhancing our worship experience. However, the presence of gadgets during Mass requires discernment. When we consider the purpose and sacred nature of the Mass, it becomes evident that some uses of technology can help deepen our participation, while others may detract from the solemnity of our worship.

Church teachings offer us valuable guidance here. Documents like Sacrosanctum Concilium, the General Instruction of the Roman Missal, and Pope Francis' Evangelii Gaudium emphasize the importance of reverence, attentiveness, and active participation in the liturgy. Let’s explore how these principles can help us use gadgets prudently during Mass.

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When Gadgets May Be Helpful at Mass

1. Reading Scripture or Following Along
   Many parishioners today bring their phones or tablets to access the daily readings and prayers, especially if they don’t have a printed missal or if the church doesn’t provide one. Apps like iBreviary or Laudate allow for easy access to the liturgy and readings, which can support “full, conscious, and active participation” in the liturgy, as Sacrosanctum Concilium encourages (SC, 14). When used with reverence—silencing notifications and dimming the screen brightness—gadgets can indeed be helpful for staying engaged without causing distractions.

2. Taking Notes for Reflection Later
   For those who find inspiration in the homily or want to jot down a line from the Gospel for further reflection, discreetly taking notes can be beneficial. Use this sparingly, keeping in mind that Sacramentum Caritatis emphasizes the sacredness of the Eucharist and calls us to approach it with reverence (SC, 66-70). The homily is part of our encounter with Christ, so our focus should primarily be on the act of listening, with minimal disruption.

3. In Cases of Accessibility Needs
   Some may use gadgets for specific accessibility reasons, such as reading aids for the visually impaired or listening aids for the hearing impaired. The General Instruction of the Roman Missal highlights the importance of fostering “a unity of faith and respect for sacred things” (GIRM, 42), and in such cases, the use of a device can support full, active, and conscious participation in the liturgy, which the Church encourages.

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When to Put Gadgets Away

1. During the Liturgy of the Eucharist
   The Liturgy of the Eucharist is the high point of the Mass and a moment that calls for our undivided attention. As GIRM emphasizes, this part of the Mass deserves our “unity of faith and respect” (GIRM, 78-89). Using gadgets during the Eucharistic prayer, whether for checking messages or even for taking notes, can take us away from the profound mystery unfolding on the altar.

2. Avoiding Distractions to Ourselves and Others
   When we check notifications or look at something unrelated to the Mass, we risk distracting ourselves and others. As Pope Francis points out in Evangelii Gaudium, the digital world often brings “noise and distractions,” which can disrupt our connection with God (EG, 262). If we must use a device, ensure it’s silenced and kept out of view as much as possible.

3. For Conversations and Social Media
   Engaging in conversations or posting on social media during Mass detracts from the reverence due to this sacred time. While sharing Mass highlights online can be positive, our immediate focus should be on the presence of God and the Word. Sacrosanctum Concilium reminds us that “active participation” means engaging with the liturgy directly, free from unnecessary distractions (SC, 14).

4. Resisting the Habit of Checking Notifications
   We’re often in the habit of checking our phones frequently, but the Mass invites us to a space of quiet reverence. The Catechism of the Catholic Church underscores that we should “approach the Eucharist with proper dispositions” (CCC, 1385), and taking a break from notifications and other digital interruptions can help us maintain this reverence.

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Practicing Reverence with Technology

Although I’ve shared some suggestions on using gadgets thoughtfully during Mass, sometimes the best approach is simply setting them aside for the brief time we gather for worship. In the absence of official Church guidelines on this matter, the choice ultimately comes down to prudence. And prudence isn't merely about avoiding certain actions; it’s about using technology in ways that genuinely enhance, rather than distract from, our purpose at Mass.

Each of us can ask, ‘Does using this device truly help me be more present to the Lord, or is it drawing me away?’ By framing our use of technology in this way, we align ourselves with the spirit of Sacrosanctum Concilium and other Church teachings, which encourage a deepened experience of the sacred.

When used with intention, technology can indeed foster a more active, thoughtful engagement with our faith. But often, by being fully present without any digital aid, we find that our undivided attention is the greatest gift we can offer to God at Mass. The Catechism reminds us that Mass is the highest form of prayer (CCC 2697)—a time meant for complete focus on God.

In a world where technology constantly demands our attention, let us cherish Mass as a sanctuary, a time to reconnect with God in simplicity and stillness.