A CODE FOR CATHOLIC TELEVISION VIEWERS
“It is a most pressing need that the conscience of Catholics, with regard to television, should be formed by the sound principles of the Christian Religion.” Pope Pius XII (On September 8, 1957 Pope Pius XII issued the now celebrated Encyclical Letter MIRANDA PRORSUS in which he offered the wisest counsel concerning the uses of Television.
(The Faithful are encouraged to read this great Letter. Available at pamphlet racks and book stores.)
(On February 14, 1958 Pope Pius XII proclaimed St. Clare of Assisi Heavenly Patroness of Television. This great Saint lay gravely ill on Christmas Eve, 1252. Unable to attend Mass she was granted by God the miraculous vision of Mass together with the sound of prayers and music in the Basilica of St. Francis some distance away. For this and other reasons Our Holy Father, granted the often-repeated request made over a period of years by the Faithful, especially by those within the Tele vision industry, and placed this great medium under the Patronage of St. Clare.)
Catholics, in the use of the Television, should -
1. Make thoughtful selection, and profitable use of programs, avoiding those which, whole or in part, might be harmful to Catholic faith or morals, and not accept programs merely on the basis of popularity polls and ratings.
2. Consult the Legion of Decency classification of movies shown on television, as well as reviews and appraisals of other programs, which are published, in Catholic newspapers and periodicals. Unfortunately the Legion of Decency is no longer available. Therefore we must apply the general rules listed below.
3. Use television with due moderation so that viewing practices will not lead to hasty meals, neglect of duty, family conversation, good reading, or discourtesy to guests who may wish neither to view nor to listen.
4. Avoid that late-hour viewing which might lead to damage to health, neglect of night prayers or to morning lateness or unpreparedness for Church, work or school.
5. Control viewing practices so that they will not interfere with attendance at devotions in the Parish church or with regular Confession.
6. Observe moderation in taking or serving intoxicants during viewing, and be mindful of the laws of the Church regarding fast and abstinence.
7. View regularly and attentively Catholic programs which are offered to lead men to perfection of soul, and for the promotion of God’s glory furthermore, to encourage others, including non-Catholics, to do likewise. These programs are no longer available.
8. Write and send courteous and informative letters of disapproval to both Sponsor and Channel Director when offensive topics, costumes, dances, dialogue, or humor are presented and send letters of appreciation when a program of unusual excellence, by Catholic standards, is presented. Be sure to sign your name, unsigned letters are never recognized.
9 Supervise the viewing practices of the young, and offer correction to statements, etc., when the honor of God and the Church, and the proper moral and mental formation of the children require such correction.
10. See that television (whether with picture or sound only) does not cause children to neglect their religious duties, studies, fresh air, sunshine, exercise, rest, or wholesome companionship, and, finally, that children do not impose their choice of programs against the wishes of their elders.
St. Clare Pray for us
Michael Fighting
