Dispensation from attending Mass?

[pnewton]

They just don’t *want *to go because it might make them angry (as per the OP).

I totally agree. It is not a good reason. However, consider that some of us have a harder time in spiritual growth. Faith does not come easy to all and priests have to meet people where they are, not where they should be.

 

[MarkThompson]

I totally agree. It is not a good reason. However, consider that some of us have a harder time in spiritual growth. Faith does not come easy to all and priests have to meet people where they are, not where they should be.

Just like they decided at Trent, right?

 

[pnewton]

Just like they decided at Trent, right?

I would totally agree with you, if this was the seventeenth century.

 

[dans0622]

I understand, but that still doesn’t make sense. There is nothing preventing the person from attending the OF (sickness, travel dangers, etc.). They just don’t *want *to go because it might make them angry (as per the OP). Again, I do not see from the cannons quoted where a priest can dispense someone based on their preference for a form of the Mass.

Hi Mrs. Sally,

I agree with you that the reason presented is not sufficient to warrant a dispensation. But, the canon simply says there should be a “just cause” that motivates the pastor in giving the dispensation. It is left to the one dispensing to determine if there is a just cause. In practice, “just cause” can turn into “just because” if we are not careful.

If a pastor gives a dispensation in this situation, what would prevent another person from saying “Father, I can’t stand the way Masses are celebrated in this area. The “novus ordo” Masses are out of control. The “latin” Mass is incomprehensible. Wherever I go, I get incensed. Please dispense me.”

I would think that, even if a person is enraged by liturgical abnormalities, the chance for spiritual growth is greater at any valid Mass than it is sitting at home.

I’ve attended an FSSP parish in the past but never heard of this dispensation being granted…I never asked, either. Anyway, if I was a priest, I think would decline the request.

Dan

 

[Mrs_Sally]

Hi Mrs. Sally,

I agree with you that the reason presented is not sufficient to warrant a dispensation. But, the canon simply says there should be a “just cause” that motivates the pastor in giving the dispensation. It is left to the one dispensing to determine if there is a just cause. In practice, “just cause” can turn into “just because” if we are not careful.

Dan

Thank you Dan. That is exactly my concern. and down the path of “just because” is protestantism. I don’t like this or that aspect of the Mass, so I don’t attend. If I can pick and choose whether to attend Mass on sunday based on my preferences, than it’s an easy road to deciding that I can pick and choose other things based on preferences.

Since humility is one of the highest virtues, I can’t see how it would be benefiting anyone’s immortal soul for a priest to tell them that in affect their own preferences are more important than attending Mass! Glad that you’ve never actually known this dispensation to be granted!