Dispensation?

[abort73catholic]

Can someone explain exactly what a “dispensation” means (in terms of missing Mass for a legitimate reason)? My understanding is that it means that your pastor gives you permission to miss the obligation due to extraordinary circumstances.

The reason I ask is because I am studying abroad this semester in Spain. Of course, I will be going to Mass during the time that I’m there, but I’m flying over the weekend. I leave on a Saturday here in the States, and because of the time difference, I lose a day and arrive sometime Sunday, early afternoon. The soonest I could arrive at my host family’s house is on the Sunday before classes begin…they start the very next day. Now, I did find some later evening Masses, but I will likely be exhausted, not to mention in completely unfamiliar surroundings. Though others who have done this program have told me that the city I will be in is quite safe, I, as a young woman, would be hesitant to venture out before I get my bearings. :\

 

[dmar198]

Can someone explain exactly what a “dispensation” means (in terms of missing Mass for a legitimate reason)? My understanding is that it means that your pastor gives you permission to miss the obligation due to extraordinary circumstances.

The reason I ask is because I am studying abroad this semester in Spain. Of course, I will be going to Mass during the time that I’m there, but I’m flying over the weekend. I leave on a Saturday here in the States, and because of the time difference, I lose a day and arrive sometime Sunday, early afternoon. The soonest I could arrive at my host family’s house is on the Sunday before classes begin…they start the very next day. Now, I did find some later evening Masses, but I will likely be exhausted, not to mention in completely unfamiliar surroundings. Though others who have done this program have told me that the city I will be in is quite safe, I, as a young woman, would be hesitant to venture out before I get my bearings. :\

Here’s what the Code of Canon Law says on the subject:

Can. 1245 - Without prejudice to the right of diocesan bishops mentioned in can. 87, for a just cause and according to the prescripts of the diocesan bishop, a pastor can grant in individual cases a dispensation from the obligation of observing a feast day or a day of penance or can grant a commutation of the obligation into other pious works. A superior of a religious institute or society of apostolic life, if they are clerical and of pontifical right, can also do this in regard to his own subjects and others living in the house day and night.

 

[mlz]

My priest gave dispensation to an elderly grandfather who every year takes his son and grandsons up to a remote island once a year for a fishing venture they can come only on the weekend. This man normally goes to Mass as much as he can and wouldn’t go if he didn’t get this from our priest but he does so I guess there are cases when it is allowed. Just talk to your priest about this.

Blessings on your travel and studies!
mlz

 

[O_Moriah]

Dispensation coming from authority is when the rule-maker (the legislator) tells you the rule that would normally be in effect doesn’t apply to you for this instance. They can do that because they made the law. Sometimes the law delegates the ability to dispense so someone other than the original legislator can make that decision in place of the original legislator.

Some law is really more custom and tradition than actual legislation, and so, your good common sense should reign. So, for example, if you’re you start feeling warm and achy at Mass and then sneeze into your hands because you forgot to use the inside of your elbow, then rather than shaking hands at the sign of peace, you then wave instead of possible spreading germs. You just gave yourself dispensation!

The other form of dispensation comes from logic and reason: You can’t be compelled by law to do what is impossible for you to do. Since you can’t attend Mass while flying over the Atlantic, then the obligation to attend is dispensed because you simply couldn’t do it.

As a matter of tradition, the usual “don’t bother to ask for dispensation because you’ll automatically get it” dispensation from obligatory Masses are: traveling; physical impediments (the bridge was washed out, the car wouldn’t start); illness; caring for the ill; lengthy work shifts (e.g., police, nurses) or double jobs; lack of access to Mass (the only Church in town was flooded); and other such reasons.

 

[Glacies]

It might be of help that the 1983 Code of Canon Law says the obligation of attending a Mass may be satisfied with the Mass in the evening of the preceding day (Canon 1248 §1):

A person who assists at a Mass celebrated anywhere in a Catholic rite either on the feast day itself or in the evening of the preceding day satisfies the obligation of participating in the Mass.