'Table of the Lord' shifts to early hour

Due to contractual obligations between WTEN-10 and the ABC television network, the Albany Diocese's televised Mass, "Table of the Lord," is now airing at 5 a.m. on Sundays.

Previously, the liturgy was broadcast at 8 a.m.; however, ABC has expanded its "Good Morning America" program to Sunday mornings and supplanted the Mass.

Rev. Kenneth Doyle, diocesan chancellor for public information, said the Diocese is in negotiations with other TV stations to secure a schedule that better meets the needs of homebound parishioners. He and Bishop Howard J. Hubbard hope to have an announcement on that effort soon.

Meanwhile, the Diocese encourages Catholics to tune to "Table of the Lord" at its new time. Those with VCRs can record the Mass for viewing at a more convenient hour.

For more than 35 years, WTEN has brought the TV Mass into the homes of thousands of homebound or ill Catholics.

"We greatly appreciate the generous airtime donated to the Diocese by WTEN for so long a period of time," Father Doyle said.

(9/9/04)