Family Mass?

[surfinpure]

My Uncle Johnny is a priest (a Jesuit, no less) and often says Mass at family gatherings. My husband tells me he’s heard that Mass is not supposed to be celebrated outside of a sanctuary except in grave circumstances. Is there such a rule?

 

[stbruno]

If you go on a cruise, you can attend mass on a ship. If you are at Eucharistic Congress, mass has been said in assembly halls, sports arenas, you name it. Mass has been said on battle fields, on airport runways…Mass is celebrated whenever and wherever it can be said. Don’t forget, many are said in secret in China because they are persecuted. Wherever 2 or 3 are gathered…

My spouse also ends that saying…there is a collection!

 

[sententia]

I don’t think so- I know many priests that will say mass for family/friends if staying with them while traveling or whatnot…

 

[mgy100]

I think it is a wonderful idea. What better way for a family to come together is there? It is far better than my uncles drinking beer watching golf in one room and my aunts hanging out in the kitchen.

 

[puzzleannie]

If he is supposed to celebrate Mass everyday and if the surroundings are otherwise suitable and all the conditions for a valid Mass are met, why not? It might be a nice idea if when a priest is travelling he offers to assist the local pastor, and obtains that faculty, but certainly not obligatory. Presumably he is acquainted with the rules and regs on private Masses, or Masses in spaces other than Churches or oratories, so it is up to him to obey them.

 

[surfinpure]

Thanks, everyone, for your reassurances. I didn’t personally believe my uncle would blatantly disregard Church law, but still it is very nice to know for certain. It’s always such a blessing to have him in town and be able to celebrate the Mass in our home with family. Those are the times when I feel closest to my family, in fact.

I can only hope one day a son of mine will be called to the priesthood, so we can continue this tradition for another generation!

 

[msproule]

For further information, read the Code of Canon Law:

Can. 932 §1. The eucharistic celebration is to be carried out in a sacred place unless in a particular case necessity requires otherwise; in such a case the celebration must be done in a decent place.

§2. The eucharistic sacrifice must be carried out on a dedicated or blessed altar; outside a sacred place a suitable table can be used, always with a cloth and a corporal.

Can. 933 For a just cause and with the express permission of the local ordinary, a priest is permitted to celebrate the Eucharist in the place of worship of some Church or ecclesial community which does not have full communion with the Catholic Church so long as there is no scandal.

 

[aurora77]

I attended Mass once on a deck overlooking one of the great lakes. I’ve got a cousin who’s a priest, the Sunday of a family reunion, he said Mass outside. It was wonderful!