Communion for the Homebound and Hospitalized and TV Mass

Our participation in the liturgy is so important because we come to share more and more fully in Christ's work of accomplishing our sanctification and giving perfect glory to God. However, for those who are homebound or hospitalized, physically gathering with the community is not always possible. Therefore, the Church teaches that “it is proper that those who are prevented from being present at the community's celebration should be refreshed with the Eucharist,” and so “in this way they may realize that they are united not only with the Lord's Sacrifice but also with the community itself and are supported by the love of their brothers and sisters” (Holy Communion and Eucharistic Worship outside Mass, no. 14). Further, televised Masses, though never a substitute for the Church's pastoral care to the sick, is “a ministry by which the Church uses modern technology to bring the Lord's healing and comfort to those who cannot physically participate in the liturgical life of the local Church” (USCCB, Guidelines for Televising the Liturgy).

Holy Communion outside Mass

If you are prevented from being present at the community's celebration of the Eucharist, please call your Pastor to request arrangements to be made for reception of Communion outside Mass. If you are not sure which parish is closest to you, please use our online Parish Finder, provided in the resources below.

Televised Mass - Sundays, 10:30 a.m.

Because being a part of the Sunday assembly is not possible for those who are homebound or hospitalized, the Diocese of Arlington, in partnership with the Archdiocese of Washington, films Sunday Mass weekly. The Mass is celebrated in the Crypt Church of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. The Mass airs every Sunday at 10:30am on WDCW-50. For the channel of WDCW-50 in your area, please see the Channel Guide.

Join the TV Mass Congregation

Your presence at the Mass celebrated and filmed at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception is a wonderful way to bring the Lord's healing and comfort to those who are homebound or hospitalized. To be added to the TV Mass Congregation list, please contact Communications at the Basilica of the National Shrine.