The Church allows the Mass to be televised primarily for the benefit of those in hospitals, nursing homes, or people confined to their own homes. Televised Masses also enable people around the world to participate in some way in papal Masses for Christmas, Easter, World Youth Day, and other special events such as the funeral of Pope John Paul II.
Someone who is well enough to go to Mass on Sunday, however, cannot fulfill his or her obligation to participate in Mass by choosing to stay home and watch a TV Mass. If you could go, but choose not to, you are not participating fully in this community celebration.
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