Is The Sat. Vigil Mass Just Convenience To You?

[davy39]

I work every third Sunday at my part time job, so I appreciate the opportunity to go to Holy Mass on sat. nite. Being a pre Vat 2 Catholic, I can remember when there was no sat. nite Mass.

 

[Cat]

I agree with the poster who mentioned that Sat. Vigil is a good way for non-Catholics (AKA Protestants) to “try out” Mass.

Many evangelical Protestants are heavily-involved in various Sunday morning ministries in their churches and would never be able to get away and try out a Mass. But Saturday evening Mass gives them the opportunity.

I firmly believe that the best “method” to convert non-Catholics, especially evangelical Protestants, to Catholicism is for them to attend Mass regularly. Jesus is there, and they will eventually recognize Him. JMO, of course. But it worked for me and my husband.

 

[chicago]

What I was referring to is that in Latin America, you can find many parishes that celebrate Mass at 1PM.

Oh, interesting. I didn’t know that. Is there some reason why that time is chosen?

When I was in college, I had a part time job that required me to work from 12:30 to 7PM every other Saturday and 7AM to 3:30PM the following Sunday. So I missed Mass when I had to work. There may have been a Sunday evening Mass near my home but I did not find one.

It seems that Sunday evening Masses are spreading, in this area at least. About 15 years ago there were some, but parishes were cutting back and priests didn’t seem to want to bother “working late”. Then it was discovered in some of the regentrifying neighborhoods, in parishes which reached out to young adults, and at the colleges that ministry to a younger population, in particular, could be more effectively accomplished by offering evening Masses. So, now, they exist not only at 5 PM (as they used to in places) but there are commonly Masses after 6, at 7, and (in the universities during the school year) as late as 9:30.

 

[gradstud35]

I either go to Saturday vigil or Sunday night mass for a couple of reasons. 1.) I suffer from a chronic illness so I need to get rest–I can only sleep in on Saturdays & Sunday. I am very grateful that we have the opportunities in our archdiocese to do that. When I was working two jobs I had to work on Saturday and Sunday evenings so I would get up and go to the Sunday morning mass at seven am. I got nothing out of it–I’d literally sit there in an awake “coma”. 2.) It seems most parishes in our archidocese have pulled their noon masses. I know when I was little that was the only chance our family had to go together due to time constraints so now it is on Saturday. It’s just impossible to get everyone together by 10 am.

 

[Teakafrog]

Our priest covers 3 counties. One county has a tiny chapel with only a Sat eve mass. The ‘big town’ gets the early Sun mass at 8:30, and the other little chapel gets the 11:00 Sun mass. We live in an even tinier town with no Church at all, between the Sat and early Sun towns. We usually choose to drive the extra couple miles and go the Sunday morning mass, but for many, the Sat is the only option if they can’t drive or can’t afford gas for an hour round-trip drive to the Sunday one (and a lot of people around here can’t).

 

[MusicMan]

Perhaps the thought of “convenience” is a bit lost on me. My church only has enough musicians to cover the Masses for the weekend. At best, we get one weekend in every four off. At worst, we’re on for stretches of several months. Obviously, most of the time, I attend the Mass my group is assigned to provide music at.

When I have a weekend off, I usually attend the Mass that is most convenient for me, as often times the Mass I’m assigned to may not be the most convenient for my schedule and family that weekend.

 

[THutch04]

I do agree that Saturday evening Masses might help to draw in non-Catholics who wouldn’t be able to attend Mass otherwise. Before I became Catholic I was attending a church which was 50 minutes one way, where I had to choose between 8am and 10am. Early mornings aren’t easy for me at all, so I always attended the 10am (meaning realistically I had to leave around 8:45). I wouldn’t end up getting back until at least 12:30 if I left right after, and going to a Catholic Mass would just make for a very long day. I tried that a couple of times and I was just exhausted by the end of it. I was grateful for the evening Masses. When I attend Mass now it’s usually based on what is most convenient for me. Sometimes that means the vigil, other times that means a Sunday evening Mass, and there are times when I end up getting up in time to go to a morning Mass. Usually it just depends on my work schedule that weekend. I’m grateful that I have the opportunity to choose.

 

[Sr_Sally]

There was a time in history when foregoing the easy in order to choose the difficult was customary. There was nothing out of line in my post.

The sense I got–whether intended or not–was a disapproval of what they might want their Sundays 'free" for. Do you know exactly what those families are doing of a Sunday? Are they going to the park? Visiting relatives or another family of friends? Or do you know for sure that they are doing something un-Christian?

We all have so many logs in our own eyes. Mine included. I cannot see clearly enough to judge other’s motives or intentions, so I hope that I give the benefit of the doubt. If the family in question is attending Mass each week from those Masses offered as Sunday Masses, than I think we have no room to quibble.

 

[BarbG]

I just wish that when my husband and I were first married nearly 60 years ago a Saturday Vigil Mass was available. My husband was a fireman, and if his schedule fell on a Sunday it was very difficult for him to get to Mass. He had to be to work at 8 AM and the first Mass in our Parish was not till 7 AM – so he had to go to another Parish to an earlieer Mass. In those days you didn’t take your young children to Mass because they didn’t have “crying rooms” so I must have had to get a baby sitter (probably my Mom).
At any rate, I do like the Vigil Mass because I usually to to Saturday Vigil in another Parish and go to my own Parish on Sunday – I try to go to Mass every day so Saturday afternoon is sometimes more convenient than the morning. I’m certain that this Vigil Mass is very helpful to many families.

 

[JW10631]

Oh, interesting. I didn’t know that. Is there some reason why that time is chosen?

Here is my guess. If many Latinos are like my señora then they tend not to be “morning people” which is how United States society is (whether or not we are morning people, it’s a morning people world) and, thus, the early afternoon Mass is popular. In much of Latin America, the last meal of the day is eaten often at 9 or 10 PM or later.

It seems that Sunday evening Masses are spreading, in this area at least. About 15 years ago there were some, but parishes were cutting back and priests didn’t seem to want to bother “working late”. Then it was discovered in some of the regentrifying neighborhoods, in parishes which reached out to young adults, and at the colleges that ministry to a younger population, in particular, could be more effectively accomplished by offering evening Masses. So, now, they exist not only at 5 PM (as they used to in places) but there are commonly Masses after 6, at 7, and (in the universities during the school year) as late as 9:30.

Priests work very hard as servants. It’s a lot to ask to have Saturday evening Mass, Sunday AM and Noon masses and Sunday late afternoon and evening Masses. However, it makes sense to celebrate Mass at times that encourage attendance at Mass.

I wake up early all week - 5AM and I enjoy the Saturday 6PM Mass in my parish. We have the choir and the organist - a Lutheran! - likes to play more traditional Catholic hymns, including *O Salutaris Hostia *and Ave Verum Corpus, to name two. If the señora and I are busy, we do have that Sunday 5:30 Mass. Three years ago, we returned home from DC late in the afternoon and praise God, I was able to attend Sunday Mass.

 

[puzzleannie]

I’m not pleased about this but there are many families I know that attend the Saturday Vigil Mass because it’s a convenience and they want to have Sunday free–completely free from any obligations. Wasn’t this mass created for those who otherwise were unable to attend Sunday mass because of work?

why does this bother you? of what possible concern is it of anyone why I, or anyone else, chooses to attend any Mass available to me which meets my Sunday obligation? or why would it matter or be of concern to anyone what my reasons are for going to Mass at a particular time? why on earth would this issue rate a 5-page discussion? suppose 8 am Sunday HIGH Mass in Latin is more convenient to me because I have a golf date or have a lunch date–does that make my choice reprehensible? what an idiotic topic for discussion here, and I could kick myself for even bothering to respond.

 

[hilde_the_dog]

Puzzelannie I agree with you but maybe just a little harsh. bye the way it seems that you do bother to respond a lot 13257 posts wow. I am impressed - seriously.

 

[Beachcomber]

I like the Saturday evening Mass. There’s nothing wrong with convenience. Also, in Genesis, it says that ‘evening and morning’ were the first and following days. It’s all the Sabbath.

 

[Brenda4God]

I remember reading or being told that Mass on Saturday is really only supposed to be an exception and not the rule. Sunday is really THE DAY and we should be going to Mass then if at all possible.

Is there anything written on that out there?

Thanks!

 

[SuscipeMeDomine]

Canon Law:

Can. 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.

You can go to the vigil Mass on Saturday or on Sunday and fulfill your obligation. No special reasons are needed.

 

[Brenda4God]

Canon Law:

Can. 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.

You can go to the vigil Mass on Saturday or on Sunday and fulfill your obligation. No special reasons are needed.

Thank you. But I already knew that it fulfilled my obligation. I just seem to remember somthing by JPII or the Bishops saying that Saturday is not supposed to become the rule, that Sunday is really supposed to be the day we go to Mass with Saturday being there as a help or whatever.

Does this ring a bell with anyone?

 

[thistle]

Thank you. But I already knew that it fulfilled my obligation. I just seem to remember somthing by JPII or the Bishops saying that Saturday is not supposed to become the rule, that Sunday is really supposed to be the day we go to Mass with Saturday being there as a help or whatever.

Does this ring a bell with anyone?

There are no conditions. Its just as the Canon Code in the earlier post states.

 

[LilyM]

The sabbath is designed to fulfil two functions. Of course it is important to spend time in worship in the Lord’s house.

The other, however, is rest. Remember this is what God Himself did on the sabbath too, not because He needs rest, but to teach us that we need it!

To my mind, since most everyone has more than one Mass available to them each Sabbath you are free to choose whichever is most convenient.

Choosing Saturday night over any of the Sunday masses, even if it’s just because you want a lie in, is the same as choosing Sunday evening over Sunday morning for the same reason. Or even a late morning Mass as opposed to an earlier one on Sunday morning, which so many of us do

 

[Bibbit]

I’ve read through these posts and I think I understand the OP’s main premise. Unfortunately for many of those who replied I’m going to join with the OP. Understand, I fully acknowledge the validity of Saturday Vigil Mass, and in no way claim to read hearts, desires, souls, or whatever else. The Mass is valid and the idea of a Saturday evening Mass is certainly appropriate. Oh, and I do think this issue could easily be addressed by the clergy. Like JP II, simply preach about Sunday.

I come from a state whith a high percentage of people who claim to be Catholic. A very prominent priest, on a visit not so long ago, said the state really is Stupid Catholic, not Catholic. He said that because of the way my state votes. Whenever any issue which goes against the faith is on the ballot, it seems the people of the state always vote for it, and in large numbers to boot. My state is densely populated, so finding a parish or a priest is quite easy, even after years of parish closings. It is in this environment that I have come to call the Saturday Vigil at my parish “The Lazy Man’s Mass”. I call it this because, like the OP tried to point out, a great deal of the folks who attend do so STRICTLY for a convienence which is tied to what I believe is a warped sense of obligation (I say warped because they can not tell you why they go other than it’s a habit they got in childhood). Again, I can’t read hearts, or anything else contained within a soul, but I have eyes and ears. Folks admit quite freely to me that the Vigil Mass allows them to spend Sunday their way, not God’s way. These are the folks who tell me they’re Catholic because their family was, not because it’s what the embrace on their own. I’ve been teaching CCD at my parish for many, many years. I’ve taught classes from 1st grade through 9th, primarily ninth. I have a good idea of what the average family at my parish thinks about the faith.

Attend the Saturday Vigil at my parish and you’ll see it’s well attended, and mainly by older folks. You’ll also see an astonishing number of people arriving late, often quite late, and an astonishing number of people leaving early, often times not even approaching for communion. The first time my wife and I attended the Vigil (I don’t remember why we went) we were amazed at what we saw.

Below I’ve placed a quote from JP II’s Apostolic Letter called DIES DOMINI. It’s quite good and is located here. I think it goes well with the OP’s thoughts. I believe some time before his death JP II asked priests and bishops to talk to there flocks about the importance of Sunday. Sadly, I myself never heard a word of it. Read the letter, Saturday is mentioned twice, Sunday over 200 hundred times.

1. Until quite recently, it was easier in traditionally Christian countries to keep Sunday holy because it was an almost universal practice and because, even in the organization of civil society, Sunday rest was considered a fixed part of the work schedule. Today, however, even in those countries which give legal sanction to the festive character of Sunday, changes in socioeconomic conditions have often led to profound modifications of social behaviour and hence of the character of Sunday. The custom of the “weekend” has become more widespread, a weekly period of respite, spent perhaps far from home and often involving participation in cultural, political or sporting activities which are usually held on free days. This social and cultural phenomenon is by no means without its positive aspects if, while respecting true values, it can contribute to people’s development and to the advancement of the life of society as a whole. All of this responds not only to the need for rest, but also to the need for celebration which is inherent in our humanity. Unfortunately, when Sunday loses its fundamental meaning and becomes merely part of a “weekend”, it can happen that people stay locked within a horizon so limited that they can no longer see “the heavens”.(7) Hence, though ready to celebrate, they are really incapable of doing so.

The disciples of Christ, however, are asked to avoid any confusion between the celebration of Sunday, which should truly be a way of keeping the Lord’s Day holy, and the “weekend”, understood as a time of simple rest and relaxation. This will require a genuine spiritual maturity, which will enable Christians to “be what they are”, in full accordance with the gift of faith, always ready to give an account of the hope which is in them (cf. 1 Pt 3:15). In this way, they will be led to a deeper understanding of Sunday, with the result that, even in difficult situations, they will be able to live it in complete docility to the Holy Spirit.

 

[KarenElissa]

But is the fact that they go to Mass on Saturday really the cause of the problem? It seems to me that it is just a symptom of a MUCH bigger problem. Would doing away with Mass on Saturday really change anything? Or even saying Saturday Mass should only be attended if necessary? Would those people at best just go to another Mass with pretty much the same attitude? And at worst stop going to Mass at all? Which is worse, going on Saturday with a bad attitude or not going at all? At least right now they are in a position to hear God’s word and have Him be present. I figure their lives are much more likely to be changed there than sitting at home in front of the TV.

And while this may be a big problem at your perish it doesn’t mean it is the same every where else. Maybe I just haven’t noticed it as much because I’m new, but the church where I’ve been going to Mass most people seem pretty reverent and committed to being there. Only a few people walk in late, pretty much everyone goes up for communion, and most stay at least until the priest has processed back down the aisle. I didn’t notice much of a difference between Saturday nights and the couple of times I’ve gone on Sunday mornings.

So sure, encourage people to come to church respectfully and to keep Sunday holy, but I don’t think judging the people who go to Mass Saturday nights is the way to go about it.