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donna369
Guest
just curious about this. is it wrong for a family to miss mass to go on a camping trip? say you only have the weekend - friday afternoon till monday and its really camping; out in the woods, no civilization.
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LarsonPio
Guest
Yes this is still not alright. Believe me, there is always a way to go to mass. [BIBLEDRB][/BIBLEDRB]
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1ke
Guest
If one were to hike in the Andes, one may be unable to get to a Mass. If one is on the ocean, one may be unable to attend Mass. If one is at the bottom of the Grand Canyon, one may be unable to attend Mass.
And if one is in a place where truly no Mass is available then one would have no obligation, we are not obligated to do the impossible.
If one is in the US and going on a 3 day camping trip they are likely not in a place where there is “no civilization”. It may mean leaving the campsite and driving into town, but Mass is likely within a reasonable distance and therefore the obligation remains.
If one is contemplating such a vacation, and truly do not believe that you will be able to reasonably find a Catholic Mass to attend, one should ask for a dispensation from one’s pastor ahead of time. Consult your pastor.
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Jeanne_S
Guest
If you speak with your. parish priest prior to your camping trip,he can give you a dispensation. Besides,doesn’t sound like you will be any where near a Catholic Church.
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St_Francis
Guest
The obligation to go to Mass is abrogated if one is travelling. Of course, one should still try to attend, like by finding out where some nearby churches are and when they have Mass (Masstimes.org), maybe try to time things so the familly can attend Mass on the way home or in the evening.
And speak to one’s pastor beforehand
And speak to one’s pastor beforehand
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MomaMary8
Guest
You can do the “leagalistic” route and find a priest to give you a dispensation; there are times that it is not a sin to attend mass. But really, why would a family plan a vacation/camping trip where they would knowingly put their vacation ahead of their desire/need to go to mass? I don’t think that would be wise at all.
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Eleanor61
Guest
This is just my opinion, but I do not remember there being an emphasis in the past on attending Mass while traveling or on vacation in out of town places. All of those signs about not taking a vacation from God were addressed to people at the seashore and other resort towns where there were many Masses available to attend.
In your situation I would not worry about it, although you may want to check on the nearest Mass just to make certain that attending would be a hardship.
In your situation I would not worry about it, although you may want to check on the nearest Mass just to make certain that attending would be a hardship.
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Father_of_10
Guest
If you are on a 3 day camping trip in the continental USA, there is a great chance there is a Catholic Mass nearby. Remember you can also go to other catholic churches that outside of the Latin rite but in communion with Rome. So if there is one of those churches nearby you can go there also.
Other than your obligation, this is also an example to your children on how important mass is. Your actions will be noticed by them.
Other than your obligation, this is also an example to your children on how important mass is. Your actions will be noticed by them.
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Anglewannabe
Guest
When I was a kid, I remember a priest that made a really food sermon. He said often people will go camping on the weekend and say ‘There was no church nearby so we did not go to mass’. Yet, when they ran out of food they would jump in the car to buy groceries. And he said ‘When you needed to eat you managed to find food, then why can’t you find food for your soul’
So… if you are in a place where you run out of food, if there is no way to get some and you will do without for the rest of the trip, then no, you do not need to go to mass. But if the option exist to go buy food, then I would check out on the Internet (which is easy to do nowadays) ahead of time where the nearest church is and make a prayfull decision as to whether it you should go to mass or not
Angie
So… if you are in a place where you run out of food, if there is no way to get some and you will do without for the rest of the trip, then no, you do not need to go to mass. But if the option exist to go buy food, then I would check out on the Internet (which is easy to do nowadays) ahead of time where the nearest church is and make a prayfull decision as to whether it you should go to mass or not
Angie
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Burt_Macklin
Guest
If there isn’t a mass in a reasonable distance from where you are then you are not obliged to go. There is no prohibition against traveling X number of miles from a catholic church either.
I find it is best not to ask your fellow catholics about whether a particular case is beyond a reasonable distance, because they will tell you yes, no, and maybe all at once.
I find it is best not to ask your fellow catholics about whether a particular case is beyond a reasonable distance, because they will tell you yes, no, and maybe all at once.
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Della
Guest
Most state parks are within easy distance of a Catholic parish, but that’s not always the case. We went up north in MN one weekend where the closest parish was a hour away and there was only one Mass early on Sunday morning. We opted not to go. But, with most other campsites we easily found a nearby parish. It just depends how far from civilization you go.
As for the food analogy, it doesn’t always hold up. Most state parks attract small businesses that cater to the campers’ needs. In our scenario in N MN there was a convenience store and gas station just 5 minutes from the park. So, it really depends on where you are and accessibility.
As for the food analogy, it doesn’t always hold up. Most state parks attract small businesses that cater to the campers’ needs. In our scenario in N MN there was a convenience store and gas station just 5 minutes from the park. So, it really depends on where you are and accessibility.
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Anglewannabe
Guest
Yes I understand that. But it was just pointing out that we need to prayfully discern out priorities. I never told him whether he can miss mass or not, I am just suggesting he make a decision that was put in perspective
Angie
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jmcrae
Guest
Can you document this? It’s the opposite of everything I’ve ever heard.
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Maryse17
Guest
I’ve been thinking about this, as I’m in a similar situation. My parents live in a group of islands, and in order to go to Mass, it’s a full-day trip (as in, leave in the morning, attend a 5pm Mass, then race for a ferry home), plus costs a good amount of money to get in the ferry (over $50 minimum for one person, for 2 people around $65, etc.). I’m the only one who attends Mass. I was told by a priest to try and go to a weekday celebration.
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pnewton
Guest
Nothing wrong with talking to your pastor.
I also had to get a standing dispensation for 25% of Sundays due to my work schedule. If in doubt, talk to your priest and then your conscience will be clear.
I usually just ask for dispensation the week before if I suspect I will miss. I had to do that just this last week for Feast of the Assumption. It is the first HDO I have missed in a long while. I kind of always liked mixing attending Mass in a new setting with trips I take.
I also had to get a standing dispensation for 25% of Sundays due to my work schedule. If in doubt, talk to your priest and then your conscience will be clear.
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piofaustina
Guest
I’d say no, not wrong. If it’s got you bothered, ask your local priest if you have time. Sickness, distance, and childcare are all reasons to not be able to attend mass. But there’s not mathematically correct value for any of them, it’s a judgement call. Lol, there have even been times when I felt like asking “how sick do I need to be? vomiting? what if it’s not a contagious sickness?”. But you’re the best judge in the end.
For me, if I could afford the gas and the time to make a 2 hour round trip during the course of the whole weekend to attend a Saturday evening or Sunday Mass, it would be worth it. That’s more than a fair amount of effort. But it’s totally a personal judgement call, and I wouldn’t go any farther than taking the advice of a priest. No one here is going to have a right answer for you.
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