CD 263 on being late for Mass
If I am late for Mass, at what point have I failed to fulfil the Sunday Mass obligation? For example if I miss the Gospel, have I missed Mass?
In older manuals of moral theology, this subject was discussed extensively. In the first place, it was always stated, and remains the case today, that Catholics are under obligation to attend the whole of Mass on days of precept. The answer to the question “When am I late for Mass?” is the same then as now: “If you arrive after it has started.”
The secondary question that was asked by the manualists, and considered at length, was what omission would constitute a mortal sin rather than a venial sin. Briefly, the answer is that …
Read more here: http://the-hermeneutic-of-continuity.blogspot.com/2012/10/cd-263-on-being-lat…
Líbera nos, quæsumus… (Photo credit: classnewspaper)
My comment on this post:
Over the years, I have learned, through reading the lives of the Saints and other ways that it is good to arrive early to prepare and say some prayers before Mass and to stay for awhile after Mass to give thanksgiving for the Eucharist and graces received. I know people have lots to do, like go to work or school (not on Sundays) and I shouldn’t question why they run out of church immediately at the end of Mass, but what has happened to our devotion? On Sunday, the parishes I have attended empty out completely including the celebrant. On weekdays, 2 or 3 Mass attendees stay for awhile saying some private prayers in thanksgiving.
Maybe the answer is for the priest and his ministers to spend some time after Mass in thanksgiving, especially during the weekday Mass, which usually is the only one of the day, outside a scheduled funeral. Parishioners tend to imitate others and this would be a wonderful imitation and teaching!
What do you think? Do you stay after Mass in thanksgiving, even if it’s only for a few minutes, or do you run out to that parking lot to beat the crowd out of the drive way?
Think about it!
Deacon John
