Does a nuptial Mass ever "count"

[Andreas_Hofer]

But then I could’ve swore that I read somewhere (which Ms. Arnold provided a link to something to that effect) that there was disagreement between the time - whether it was 4pm, 2pm or noon and that Rome hasn’t decreed either way…So in conclusion, it would appear that until Brother Rich shows us otherwise, that the answer is - there doesn’t appear to be agreement on the part of canonists about the official time (which is the issue, not the readings).

There is a certain form of general agreement, but not universal agreement. The Canon Law Society of the US has agreed on 4pm, that of Great Britain has agreed on noon. So within a given area there will be a generally agreed standard that I would think should be followed.

I would ask my Bishop’s opinion on this matter.

Some bishops do, I believe, have explicit rules about a time threshold for anticipated Masses, so that probably is the best advice.

 

[cameron_lansing]

blessedsacrament.com/theology/emmanuel/huels.html has a useful analysis of a number of these issues.

 

[Joe_Kelley]

There is often a perception that Wedding and Funeral masses are a private affair for the parties involved. It is my understanding that any mass is always a community event and open to the public, unless limited by considerations of space and public safety [e.g. a Papal Funeral].

 

[JimG]

There is often a perception that Wedding and Funeral masses are a private affair for the parties involved. It is my understanding that any mass is always a community event and open to the public, unless limited by considerations of space and public safety [e.g. a Papal Funeral].

You are right. Any Mass is a public liturgy.

 

[Dandelion_Wine]

My son is receiving his First Holy Communion this Sunday and we had practice tonite. Well the DRE said something to the effect of “Sometimes we get questions whether this Mass counts (it’s a 1pm Mass). It does count because we use the same Sunday readings”

Although I think we only do 2 readings!

'course this coming from a woman who doesn’t believe children should nor need to receive First Reconciliation before First Holy Communion.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

My son is receiving his First Holy Communion this Sunday and we had practice tonite. Well the DRE said something to the effect of “Sometimes we get questions whether this Mass counts (it’s a 1pm Mass). It does count because we use the same Sunday readings”

Although I think we only do 2 readings!

'course this coming from a woman who doesn’t believe children should nor need to receive First Reconciliation before First Holy Communion.

Well your priest should know that the earlest he can say a Sunday vigil Mass was determined by the U.S. Bishops and is 4pm local time. You are correct Saturdays readings are only two, Sunday would be three.

 

[stbruno]

He is receiving his First Holy Communion on a Sunday, therefore this will count. And there are only 2 readings and a gospel for all masses. So just enjoy the wonders of this glorious first communion day for your child. May God bless him always and may he always be hungry for the Lord.

 

[batteddy]

As per the relevant canon posted above, the readings have absolutely nothing to do with the Sunday obligation. Many folks seem to believe that in order for a Mass to satisfy the obligation, the readings must be of the Sunday. This is simply is not the case.

True. The readings have absolutely nothing to do with it. The mass of anticipation (which I wish people wouldnt call “vigil” as they are two different things), if the parish is going to offer it, is just the same mass as sunday…but any mass offered during the prescribed time counts.

The documents do specify that the regular anticipation mass is to be the same as sunday (obviously, or what mass would they use?), but that doesn’t mean that a wedding on a Saturday evening doesnt also count any more than it means that a wedding on a Sunday (if it were allowed) wouldnt also fullfill the obligation. Both would fullfill the obligation, the documents just weren’t dealing with extraordinary situations like that.

The obligation is to attend a mass. Not a particular liturgy.