Sunday Obligation

[ChristinaTherese]

So, today I was lazy and slept in, and then I wanted breakfast and didn't make firm plans of when to go to Mass. I heard the bells 15 minutes before I thought Mass would start across the street, headed over, and found out that the schedule changed today and Mass was just ending. I headed over and found Mass in the cathedral, but I got in late, as the readings were starting. I was unsure if that was too late to fulfill my Sunday obligation or not, but forgot to check and now there aren't any more MassesI could go to. And... what say you? Did I fail to fulfill my obligation?

[cappie]

Here's the rule of thumb: If you come in late to Mass on a Sunday  you will need to attend another Mass, in full, that day in order to fulfill your Sunday Duty. People who arrive late to Mass have to honestly ask themselves, Why? If they arrive late because of some justified reason or unforeseen event, such as blocked traffic due to an accident, they have acted in good conscience. If people arrive late due to culpable negligence, and especially if they do so habitually, then they need to seriously reflect on their attitudes.

 

Actually the rule was, when I was growing up, You must be present for the reading of the Gospel and you could depart when the priest has received Communion. This was the minimum for Canon Lawyers to fulfill the obligation, but it is hardly within the spirit of the sacrifice of the Mass which has a definite commencement and a definite conclusion.

 

It may be a venial sin, under some circumstances, to arrive late or leave early. Never could it be a mortal sin, as it is not grave matter.as opposed to missing all together.

 

Bishop Kevin Manning now retired Bishop of Parramatta (Australia) wrote:

 

Because attendance at the Sunday Mass is so important for our spiritual good, I can only wonder why people would quibble whether it is an obligation or not.

 

However, is only for a very good reason that people would be excused from the Sunday obligation. It boils down to this: if you can attend Sunday Mass you must attend Sunday Mass. If you can't, and you have a good reason, then you don't have to do the impossible.

 

In the past there were distinctions made about being present for the Offertory, Consecration and Communion and if you were there for those three you satisfied the Sunday obligation.

 

Today, it is much more simple; you have an obligation to attend the Sunday Mass. If you want to start quibbling about being there for important parts, have a good talk to your Confessor - your soul needs it.

 

Some of the reasons that would excuse from the Sunday obligation are: sickness, distance, or having to care for the children. It is logical to assume that if any of those take away the obligation to attend Sunday Mass entirely, they would also be a legitimate reason for arriving late, or leaving early.