Diocese to cease funding TV Mass

The Duluth Diocese has, for many years, funded the broadcast of a televised Mass from the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception on Duluth’s ABC affiliate. In light of changing needs of parishioners and much broader availability of Masses broadcast on the Internet, many of them local, as well as on radio and cable television, diocesan officials have decided to stop that televised broadcast effective April 1. The last broadcast Mass is expected to be March 31 — Easter Sunday. 

In studying the situation, officials determined that the expense of the televised Mass exceeds incoming donations supporting it and that there has been a decline in donations since the end of the Covid-19 pandemic lockdowns. Another concern has been that, although the broadcast reaches many across the diocese, there are significant populations it does not reach. 

Over the years, the available technology has also changed significantly, with much more widely available access to broadband Internet and widespread adoption of Internet-connected devices like smartphones and tablets and smart TVs. Those trends are likely to continue. 

The pandemic lockdowns also changed the situation. Many parishes began live streaming their Masses to help parishioners who could not attend stay connected, and many of the faithful became accustomed to accessing those broadcasts for the same reason. While many parishes ceased offering their live streamed liturgies as the lockdowns lifted, there are still nearly a dozen Masses in the Duluth Diocese alone being streamed regularly, including multiple parishes in Duluth and Brainerd, plus parishes in Nisswa, Hibbing, Grand Rapids, Moose Lake, and Virginia. A full listing, with links, is available at www.dioceseduluth.org/live-stream-masses. 

Other outlets that reach our diocese, such as EWTN, Real Presence Radio, and Relevant Radio, also offer Mass broadcasts. 

All of these factors prompted a re-evaluation of the televised Mass and the decision that the resources dedicated to it could be better used elsewhere. 

It is important to note that watching a broadcast of Mass, while a blessing and helpful in staying connected with the faith for those who cannot attend Mass in person, is not a substitute for the Mass obligation for those who are able to attend, nor is it a requirement for those who are unable to attend Mass. 

Diocesan officials will be encouraging parishes to reach out to homebound parishioners to ensure their sacramental needs are being met and to offer what assistance they can for parishioners who would like to continue to be able to view a live streamed Mass.