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Aeden
Guest
I read on EWTN’s website that necessary travel would excempt a person from the Sunday obligation. It would take me 2 or so hours to drive to the nearest church. Does that constitute as an exceptional travel time?
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yukonbrad
Guest
Most of the priests I have known over the years would probably tell you that a 2 hour drive (4hrs return, 1hr for mass and say another hour for time before and after - 6hrs) is exessive and would not consider it a grave matter if you did not show up every week. There is also the financial consideration given the gas you would need to use and would this constitute a hardship for yourself. That said perhaps next time you do attend talk to your parish priest and get his opinion.
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edward_george
Guest
“Necessary travel” in that case means traveling for some unavoidable obligation and in the process not being able to go to Mass. That said, just out of curiosity, is there really a place in New Jersey where you are two hours from the nearest church?
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Aeden
Guest
Not where I normally live, no. I’m on vacation right now in the outer banks where its secluded. 3/4 hour up the beach 3/4 hour to church asuming no traffic, and this is a popular month for rentals, meaning high traffic
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TonyT
Guest
I think it is important to keep the question in context, and to weigh it against the other priorities in life. Would I choose to vacation away from my spouse? It is true that my wife and I do occasionally vacation separately (she is not a camper). However, would I do this if my only opportunity to see her in person were once per week? I don’t think so.
The other question I always have to ask myself: what is the appropriate response to Christ’s crucifixion, for me? Should I choose a vacation from Him?
The Catechism is pretty clear:
“The Sunday Eucharist is the foundation and confirmation of all Christian practice. For this reason the faithful are obliged to participate in the Eucharist on days of obligation, unless excused for a serious reason (for example, illness, the care of infants) or dispensed by their own pastor. Those who deliberately fail in this obligation commit a grave sin.”
Years ago, I also vacationed on the Outer Banks (it is a uniquely beautiful part of the country), with a vague assumption that I could find a Mass when I got there. There was none. I knew at the time I had made a serious mistake, and it still comes to mind every time I plan a vacation.
Work-related travel is different; usually we are not able to choose the destination, time, or method of travel, except within very narrow limits.
The other question I always have to ask myself: what is the appropriate response to Christ’s crucifixion, for me? Should I choose a vacation from Him?
The Catechism is pretty clear:
“The Sunday Eucharist is the foundation and confirmation of all Christian practice. For this reason the faithful are obliged to participate in the Eucharist on days of obligation, unless excused for a serious reason (for example, illness, the care of infants) or dispensed by their own pastor. Those who deliberately fail in this obligation commit a grave sin.”
Years ago, I also vacationed on the Outer Banks (it is a uniquely beautiful part of the country), with a vague assumption that I could find a Mass when I got there. There was none. I knew at the time I had made a serious mistake, and it still comes to mind every time I plan a vacation.
Work-related travel is different; usually we are not able to choose the destination, time, or method of travel, except within very narrow limits.
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Joe_Kelley
Guest
Your pastor can dispense you from the obligation for just cause. It would probably be best to explain the situation to him and ask for a dispensation. Then you have no doubts or worries.
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ahs
Guest
Yes. You may get a dispensation from your Priest if he deems it appropriate.Your pastor can dispense you from the obligation for just cause. It would probably be best to explain the situation to him and ask for a dispensation. Then you have no doubts or worries.
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