New Zealand Bishops on iPad: Stick to the Book

WELLINGTON, New Zealand, JUNE 6, 2012 (Zenit.org).- New Zealand’s bishops are praising the usefulness of the iPad and other such electronic devices, but clarifying that for the liturgy, it’s important to “stick to the book.”

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Priests are to use the printed missal and not use tablets, e-readers or mobile phones when celebrating the liturgy, the bishops affirmed in a letter dated April 30.

The bishops explained that since the publication of the new translation of the Roman Missal they were asked if priests could use electronic devices when celebrating Mass and other liturgies.

“All faiths have sacred books which are reserved for those rituals and activities which are at the heart of the faith,” the bishops said.

“The Catholic Church is no different, and the Roman Missal is one of our sacred books,” they continued. “Its physical form is an indicator of its special role in our worship.”

The bishops acknowledged that electronic devices are “excellent for study purposes,” but the “iPad (and its equivalents), e-readers and mobile phones may not be used by the priest at liturgy.”

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On the Net: 

Text of letter – http://cathnews.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Ipads-at-Mass.pdf

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