Quick Question about Mass times

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…on Saturday. What’s the earliest Mass hour that can be an observation of our Sunday obligation? I have found a church in the area that has one at 4:00 p.m. and considers it meeting that obligation. Am going to take a shower, then I will return. Sorry for the rush!
😊
 
MBF said:
…on Saturday. What’s the earliest Mass hour that can be an observation of our Sunday obligation? I have found a church in the area that has one at 4:00 p.m. and considers it meeting that obligation. Am going to take a shower, then I will return. Sorry for the rush!
😊
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It varies by diocese and possibly (?) by parish. I read something not too long ago about the Cathedral in Las Vegas, which has anticipated Masses at 2:30, 4:00, and 5:00 PM on Saturday (as well as five Masses on Sunday). I believe this is done because of the work schedules of many casino employees.
 
Canon law does not define when the evening before begins, but traditionally it is understand as 4PM unless the bishop decrees otherwise.
 
I believe Chatter is correct. Most places I have been have a 5 or 5:30pm but I have heard that 4pm is OK too.
 
Everything I have read accepts 4pm as satisfactory. At onetime our parish started the mass at 3:30 on the theory that it was valid if the Consecration was after 4pm. I had my doubts. I have seen some experts argue that anything after noon is licit. I don’t think that there is a final binding statement on this.

In any event I think one has fulfilled the obligation if the parish states it does. If that is wrong, it is their wrong; not yours.
 
Where I live the earliest vigil that can be held is 4PM. My parish has a vigil at 5PM though some in the area are at 4PM.
 
Although I cannot quote chapter and verse, I recall a statement from the late Pontiff about this, which really should have settled the matter. If I remember correctly, it confirmed 4pm.

But even without that, I think the the logic is rather simple: that hour is traditionally considered the earliest hour for Vespers. Sundays and solemn feasts have First Vespers the evening before, which of course means that the commemoration begins then. First Vespers is the start of the liturgical day.

I suppose that the “anticipated Mass” should technically follow First Vespers, but since public Vespers have always been a rarity in parish churches, at least the timing should be respected.
 
I recall reading someplace that one order,[Benedictines I think] had a reading from a Spanish work entitled “Colations” [Sp?] at Vespers. During Lent they were allowed a small snack at this time. -[Hence the use of collation to designate a light meal.]

The hour for Vespers then gradually became earlier and earlier. Finally, it was ruled that Vespers could not be celebrated before Nones. Of course the hour for *Nones *then crept back until it was ruled that Nones could not be celebrated before mid-day. [Hence the word *noon for mid-day]

Don’t know if this is true, but it sure fits what I know of human nature.:rolleyes:
 
Thank you for your discussion. It has satisfied my concerns and I participated in the Holy Mass, meeting my Sunday obligation.

This was my first visit to that parish and I must say I was a little…concerned about how things are done there. It was a valid Mass, but I think things were tinkered with a bit much in the Liturgy.
:confused:
 
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