Location of Mass

[teachccd]

This question may have been asked before, but I would like to know when it is o.k. for a priest to hold Mass anywhere other than in a Church building. We had a beautiful Mass held in a backyard for my brother-in-law’s 25th wedding vow renewal. I know that Mass can be held outside of a Church building but are there stipulations for this? If so, could you site either canonical law (if it applies) or references from the GIRM. Is it just at the discretion of the priest? I cannot seem to locate my answer. Thank you in advance…teachccd

 

[tee_eff_em]

This question may have been asked before, but I would like to know when it is o.k. for a priest to hold Mass anywhere other than in a Church building. We had a beautiful Mass held in a backyard for my brother-in-law’s 25th wedding vow renewal. I know that Mass can be held outside of a Church building but are there stipulations for this? If so, could you site either canonical law (if it applies) or references from the GIRM. Is it just at the discretion of the priest? I cannot seem to locate my answer. Thank you in advance…teachccd

THE TIME AND PLACE OF THE CELEBRATION OF THE EUCHARIST

Can. 931 The celebration and distribution of the Eucharist can be done at any day and hour except those which the liturgical norms exclude.

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.

I believe the Ordinary can dispense from these regulations, but I am not sure.

tee

 

[Joysong]

Technically, this would be called a “home mass” and as such, it is permitted. We had a discussion regarding this earlier this year, and I wrote to my diocese for clarification. This was the response:

Dear Carole,

I did have the opportunity to speak with our Vicar General about this matter. He indicated that as a unique event; i.e., a solitary occurrence, the priest would not need to seek the bishop’s permission. If such masses were to [be] offered on a regular basis, the priest would need to approach the bishop and explain the rationale for requesting permission.

Hope this helps,

If there still remains a doubt, kindly PM me and I will give you the email address of this diocesan worship director.

Carole

 

[ProVobis]

This question may have been asked before, but I would like to know when it is o.k. for a priest to hold Mass anywhere other than in a Church building. We had a beautiful Mass held in a backyard for my brother-in-law’s 25th wedding vow renewal. I know that Mass can be held outside of a Church building but are there stipulations for this? If so, could you site either canonical law (if it applies) or references from the GIRM. Is it just at the discretion of the priest? I cannot seem to locate my answer. Thank you in advance…teachccd

I’ve been at outdoor Masses and Masses inside private homes. I’m not sure if bishop’s consent is needed (especially with Pope’s SP on the Latin Mass) but the Mass is valid, if the celebrant is a priest and intention, form, and matter is there.