Question about travel

[Timothysis]

I’ve known people (and perhaps you have too) who use the excuse “There’s no Mass in English” and therefore rationalize not going on that basis.

Maybe it’s the Pharisee in me that forces me to go to Mass this evening as they predict up to a foot of snow tomorrow, thereby depriving me of an EF this weekend.

Why does everything come down to a matter of language with you?

 

[ProVobis]

Why does everything come down to a matter of language with you?

Your point?

 

[Timothysis]

Your point?

My point is that for years you always bring up the matter of language no matter the topic of the thread. It is rather obvious that you don’t care for Mass in the vernacular, though you seem to have a special dislike for liturgical functions in English.

 

[ProVobis]

My point is that for years you always bring up the matter of language no matter the topic of the thread. It is rather obvious that you don’t care for Mass in the vernacular, though you seem to have a special dislike for liturgical functions in English.

No, the point is that missing Mass is a grave matter. One can’t simply come to an internet forum and expect to get dispensation from posters for any reason. OTOH if you want to argue that the obligation should be dispensed with altogether, I will have absolutely no problem with that argument.

And for the record, I do attend the OF in English, Spanish, and Polish. I have a special dislike for English because the way the nuns insulted my intelligence by dropping me a few grades in reading because they in their arrogant fashion didn’t care for my UK English or Polish. And here I was teaching English to my parents and brother. I managed to eventually catch up and even win the Excellence in English award in high school, but to this day I feel Americans are just too arrogant to accept any person who speaks other than their own dialect, including when they travel abroad.

 

[Hoosier_Daddy]

Hi everyone,

Sorry if this is posted in the wrong place or kind of a trivial question. My husband and I are going on a cruise to Alaska in September and we will not be in a port on Saturday or Sunday and thus will be unable to attend Mass. I was told that it is doubtful that a priest will be on board, but that they offer a inter-denominational Christian prayer service.

My questions are:

1. Is it still a sin to miss mass? We did not book the cruise on these dates with the intention of missing Mass, of course, but it seems it will not be possible to do so.
2. Do you think we would be obligated to attend the prayer service since it is the closest thing we will have to Christian fellowship that Sunday?

Thank you for your help!

M

I must tell you that I am impressed that you are thinking this far ahead and also that your take your faith and obligation seriously.
You should speak with your priest who will most likely grant you a dispensation. But be sure to get the dispensation first. The old adage it is better to ask for forgiveness than permission does not really apply here.

You are never ever obligated to attend a christian fellowship. In fact I would stay away from such a thing. But you should do something to commemorate Our Lords day. An hour of scripture reading or in prayer would be appropriate.

Enjoy your trip!

 

[Hoosier_Daddy]

Why does everything come down to a matter of language with you?

I believe the great Rush Limbaugh once said “Words mean things”

I think that is something that has been lost in this age of changing language to suit your views.

 

[Timothysis]

… but to this day I feel Americans are just too arrogant to accept any person who speaks other than their own dialect, including when they travel abroad.

I suppose that a broad brush paints best.

But at least the rest of your post confirmed what I suspected from so many of your posts; “I have a special dislike for English…”

 

[ccmcmg]

I’ve known people (and perhaps you have too) who use the excuse “There’s no Mass in English” and therefore rationalize not going on that basis.

Maybe it’s the Pharisee in me that forces me to go to Mass this evening as they predict up to a foot of snow tomorrow, thereby depriving me of an EF this weekend.

Last year we had the choice of missing our son’s event that we traveled thousands of miles to attend, getting up at 6 AM (to be honest…I wouldn’t have been able to do that; a failing on my part, but I know it wouldn’t have happened), or attending Mass 30 minutes away in Spanish.

So…Spanish it was! We’re going to be in Mexico later this winter, and were concerned about navigating to Mass; however, we will be able to attend at home on Saturday evening before we leave. Throw in Confession and the public Rosary before Mass, and we’ll be praying for a plenary indulgence just hours before our plane leaves, just in case something goes wrong.

Anyways, as others have said, talk to your priest, and if you are unable to do so, bring it up in your next Confession, with circumstances.