Missing Mass...

[BlueinSD]

So, I understand that missing mass is a mortal sin unless you have sufficient reason. I am sure this question has been asked before, but what about folks enlisted in the Armed Services? I will be serving aboard a destroyer and it is not likely (to my knowledge) that the ship will have a chaplain on board while deployed. If this is the case, is one granted a dispensation from attending Mass? Furthermore, does anyone know of a possible way of being administered the Sacraments (such as the Eucharist and Confession)? Thanks!

 

[puzzleannie]

So, I understand that missing mass is a mortal sin unless you have sufficient reason. I am sure this question has been asked before, but what about folks enlisted in the Armed Services? Is!

the law is the same for all Catholics. If there is no Mass available or you can’t get to Mass for any legitimate reason, for which you can use your own prudential judgment, then you have no obligation.

 

[fencetennis]

Hey,

I’m currently a midshipman in the Navy and was on a destroyer last summer. Most ships have a Catholic “lay leader” who is trained by a priest chaplain and is able to help lead the Catholics in prayers, Rosaries, bible studies, etc.

In the past, communion was ministered by the lay leaders but the Military Archdiocese has now prohibited this practice (due to some people who made claims that Catholics didn’t need priest chaplains since they had the Eucharist). However, the lay leaders will ensure that at each port call you will have a Catholic church located and you can receive the sacraments there. God bless, anchors aweigh, and seeya in the fleet!

 

[BlueinSD]

Are you a MIDN at USNA? I just commissioned in December through the NROTC Program and just got to my ship less than two weeks ago. I’m in San Diego, so if you’re ever around, let me know and we’ll figure something out.

BTW, thanks a bunch for the heads up and assistance!

 

[ConstantineTG]

As what puzzleannie says. Obviously you can’t swim ashore to get to a Mass on Sundays, so the Church doesn’t expect the impossible. But be sure to put aside some time on Sundays if possible and by guidance of someone (a priest maybe, online if you have access to) have some prayers and readings to keep your spiritual life healthy.

Best you speak to your priest about this. You can also take note of the readings for all the Sundays you are gone and bring a Bible to read up on them. Many priests nowadays also publish sermons online, you can read those too. Usually you’ll see them on the parish bulletin on a parish website.

 

[lauraabarlow]

Hi-I am also in the military (air force reserves) and found it being trying to make mass on reserve weekends being that I have to pull weekend drill and right after pick my 8-yr-old daughter up from the daycare afterwards (I’m a single mom). The chaplain knowing my situation dispensed me on reserve weekends from attending mass. Oh-if I was able to get some time off during Sunday morning drill to attend mass, I would-yet with all the scheduled training and safety inspections and so forth, impossible mission. BTW-while on annual tour in Germany, I did attend mass both Sundays while there so I would attend, if possible. I guess many military peeps are going to be responding on this forum-

 

[lauraabarlow]

I forgot to mention, if you are unable to or not sure if you will be able to attend mass while deployed or on training maneuvers, just go to your priest and ask for a dispension letting him know your circumstances. Still try to attend mass, if possible yet with a peace of mind knowing that the priest excused you from doing the impossible-good luck and God Bless you on your journey!!!:takeoff:

 

[TheDoors]

Hey,

I’m currently a midshipman in the Navy and was on a destroyer last summer. Most ships have a Catholic “lay leader” who is trained by a priest chaplain and is able to help lead the Catholics in prayers, Rosaries, bible studies, etc.

In the past, communion was ministered by the lay leaders but the Military Archdiocese has now prohibited this practice (due to some people who made claims that Catholics didn’t need priest chaplains since they had the Eucharist). However, the lay leaders will ensure that at each port call you will have a Catholic church located and you can receive the sacraments there. God bless, anchors aweigh, and seeya in the fleet!

Blessed be the Lord my strength.
That actually seems to flop back and forth. I’m a catholic lay representative for my unit as well as an extraordinary minister of communion. However (there is always a however) I am currently not actively serving in that capacity, as over the last three years there have been four different opinions from higher on how to coordinate. Ain’t the military grand?

As a layperson, you have the ability to gather fellow catholics together for a litergy of the Word, which should be in your reader. I also suggest you obtain a copy of “Shorter Christian Prayer” which has the daily litergy for Catholics. May Saint Barbara keep you close.

 

[MissRose73]

I do thank all of you serving in the military for your service.

I am sure God understands if you need to miss Mass sometimes due to your obligations. He knows you are doing a very important job regardless of your rank etc.