Missing Sunday mass

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Happy Easter to all of you.

Our Parish prayer group has decided to go for an outing on a weekend(Saturday morning- Sunday evening) to a village which is around 4hrs drive from where we stay. It was with the intention of having fellowship and increasing the bond between us. However one serious matter which disturbs us is that there are/may not be any catholic church/chapels in that vicinity as very few catholics may be staying there. The rooms have also been booked and advance payments have been made. So looking at the situation we may not be able to attend mass on Sunday. I’ve tried checking on the internet if I could get any info of any catholic church/chapel but to no avail. Our willingness to attend mass is there, but as everything is set up including the bus/room bookings we are unable to cancel the trip. If we are able to find a chapel at least we would definitely go for mass, but in case there isn’t any then we would be missing the Sunday mass

In such situations what does the church teach about the Sunday mass observance.

Thanks in advance
 
I would think that the outing being one done by the parish, that they understand the Sunday obligation for Mass, and the non Catholics in the group may wish to attend their own Sunday services too. The Catholics in the group should do their homework about the area ahead of time, and find a church to attend either Saturday vigil or Sunday morning Mass.

Unless you are in a far off remote area with the nearest church 5 hours away by covered wagon then walk another 5 hours by foot one way (or similar), an effort must be made to locate a church & arrange transport to it. Only the priest can give a dispensation if the circumstance is extenuating for you to miss Sunday Mass.

If no genuine effort is made to locate Mass & get it to it, no dispensation has been granted if you cannot locate a Catholic Church to attend, etc then you and your group are committing a mortal sin for not assisting at Holy Mass on Sunday.
 
There is only one thing that any of us here can rightly advise…

Speak to your parish priest about the matter. It is he who would have to issue a dispensation anyway…

Peace
James
 
I believe a “nearby” church can be considered an hour away from what I’ve read in one of my Catholic magazines, with someone experiencing the same situation. Even if you have to drive an hour away, you will still be spending some nice time in fellowship with your friends :). You can all enjoy the sights while locating the church and talk about the wonderful adventure God has put you on. I have a prayer group of women with whom I am really close. We do things like this when possible, and we have so much fun being with God and each other! Again, like the previous post, you can always ask the priest for dispensation if you cannot absolutely find one.

Have fun!!
God Bless!🙂
 
ed0268 said:
Happy Easter to all of you.

Our Parish prayer group has decided to go for an outing on a weekend(Saturday morning- Sunday evening) to a village which is around 4hrs drive from where we stay. It was with the intention of having fellowship and increasing the bond between us. However one serious matter which disturbs us is that there are/may not be any catholic church/chapels in that vicinity as very few catholics may be staying there. The rooms have also been booked and advance payments have been made. So looking at the situation we may not be able to attend mass on Sunday. I’ve tried checking on the internet if I could get any info of any catholic church/chapel but to no avail. Our willingness to attend mass is there, but as everything is set up including the bus/room bookings we are unable to cancel the trip. If we are able to find a chapel at least we would definitely go for mass, but in case there isn’t any then we would be missing the Sunday mass

In such situations what does the church teach about the Sunday mass observance.

Thanks in advance
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However, whomever came up with the idea and chose the location is responsible for seeing that Mass attendance since it’s a parish prayer group.

It kind of begs the question, who would come up with the idea and make arrangements without taking into account the Sunday Mass obligation since it was to occur on a weekend? Not blaming you, but whomever came up with the idea and choice of location did not do their homework before finalizing the choice of location.

Call the place where you will be staying. They know the area and will know the Catholic Churches and where they are.

Other than that, you will have to talk to your priest.
 
Call the place where you will be staying overnight and ask where is the nearest Catholic church and how long it would take you to get there. You could also try and time the trip to attend Mass at a church that is along the way to your destination.
 
Check Mass Times. If you find a nearby church, call and confirm the times. They are sometimes out of date.
 
Where are you traveling? One of us may be able to identify a church for you.

I think driving an hour each way is reasonable to get to Mass, and it would still enable you to enjoy the comraderie of your group as you drive.

Alternatively, is this a coed prayer group? Could you invite a priest along with you (and treat for his room and board)? You could ask him to lead you in morning and evening prayer, hear confessions, and say Sunday Mass. He might really enjoy the retreat.
 
Thank you all for replying

By God’s providence we were able to find a catholic church and participated in the mass.
 
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