QUESTION: Is there a policy prohibiting photography or videotaping in church? I have heard that Archbishop Rodi was not pleased with people taking pictures during Confirmation and Father Martin instructed the parents last weekend not to take pictures during First Communion.
The Catholic Week shows pictures of Archbishop Rodi performing mass, seminarians at ordination, baptisms etc. Furthermore, I have been to the Cathedral on many occasions, for example, Ash Wednesday, and there are TV crews inside the Church videotaping and the Press Register photographer taking up close photos during the mass.
ANSWER: Archbishop Rodi has requested that during Confirmation photos not be taken as it distracts from the solemnity of the event. He informed us well in advance with a letter to each parish and in a planning sheet for the Mass. His custom is to speak one on one with each person being confirmed and it is distracting to have photos being taken while the sacrament is celebrated.
Father Martin asked that individuals not take photographs during the First Communion for the same reason as mentioned above, namely, that it distracts from the sacredness of the event. Father Martin did permit an official photographer to take pictures because he could be positioned in one place for the entire period of the reception of Holy Communion. Unfortunately, some are more concerned with capturing the moment on film that they miss actually watching the event for themselves. In the past there have been multiple parents moving at the same time to get the 'right' angle so much so that the commotion ruins the event for others who are seated in the pews.
