Saturday Mass

[kfarose2585]

Some of my Protestant friends have balked when I told them that I sometimes attend Mass on Saturday instead of on Sunday. Does it really make a difference? The Saturday Mass at my parish is much like the Life Teen Mass held Sunday evenings, but is not necessarily for teens. Although casual, it is a “full blown” Mass, held in the sanctuary (unlike our weekday Masses, which are held in the chapel, and sometimes don’t include a homily). Although I do try to keep Sunday holy through prayer, family time, etc., is church attendance necessary too? Or is it okay that I go on Saturday (and sometimes during the week too)?

 

[otm]

Mass on Saturday in the afternoon/evening suffices. My understanding is that it has to be the Mass of Sunday, not of Saturday. It stems from the fact that the Jews in Christ’s time counted the day starting at sunset (thus Christ, buried before sunset on Friday, was in the tomb 3 days; Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, rising some time on Sunday before sunrise).

 

[kfarose2585]

The Mass is held Sunday evening at 5:30. Are you saying that, since this is close to Sunday, it “counts” as a Sunday Mass? Does that mean that evening Mass on Sunday “counts” as Monday Mass?

 

[Kecharitomene]

kfarose2585:

The Mass is held Sunday evening at 5:30. Are you saying that, since this is close to Sunday, it “counts” as a Sunday Mass? Does that mean that evening Mass on Sunday “counts” as Monday Mass?

Isn’t there a song that’s either titled or has a verse in it that says “Jimmy Mack, when are ya comming back…”?

I think that this particular question would best be addressed on the “Liturgy” board, but really its simple. Roman Catholics are obligated to attend the High (weekend) Mass. Thus the implicit question that is the theme of the above quote is “what differentiates Sunday (high) Mass from the weekday Mass”. Its like there is a Saturday Mass, and then there is a High Mass held on Saturday evening. Basically, its the liturgy; in specific, the Liturgy of the Word (aka. the readings). There is so much to talk about how the liturgical material is planned and how each parish has rules and also liberties when it comes to implemneting the liturgical material. When I travel, I sometimes become concerned about attending Mass on Saturday for the reason that I might not be properly fulfilling my weekly obligation. I usually go on Sunday because there isn’t any other Mass other than the High Mass that is said on Sunday…I don’t think…maybe a funeral or wedding Mass…gosh…well anyway, there isn’t a per se “daily” Mass said on Sunday.

Generally the High Mass has two readings, a gospel, and Psalm whereas the weekday Mass has only one reading and a gospel…and I think a psalm at certain parishes. The High Mass always says the “Gloria”, but not always is it recited during the weekday Mass. And, the weekend Mass lasts about an hour except on special feasts, but the daily Mass rarely exceeds 35 min.

Phew…I hope this helps.

 

[Crusader]

kfarose2585:

Some of my Protestant friends have balked when I told them that I sometimes attend Mass on Saturday instead of on Sunday. Does it really make a difference? The Saturday Mass at my parish is much like the Life Teen Mass held Sunday evenings, but is not necessarily for teens. Although casual, it is a “full blown” Mass, held in the sanctuary (unlike our weekday Masses, which are held in the chapel, and sometimes don’t include a homily). Although I do try to keep Sunday holy through prayer, family time, etc., is church attendance necessary too? Or is it okay that I go on Saturday (and sometimes during the week too)?

The Saturday Vigil Mass at your parish does indeed fulfill your Sunday obligation. The biblical readings (three total) as well as the liturgy are taken from Sunday. If you have any questions, ask your pastor.

Many would suggest the vigil or replacement Mass is there for your convenience, but that you shouldn’t choose to attend that Mass all the time. While I understand the logic, I have never seen that codified anywhere within the Church.

 

[Crusader]

Kecharitomene:

Isn’t there a song that’s either titled or has a verse in it that says “Jimmy Mack, when are ya comming back…”?

I think that this particular question would best be addressed on the “Liturgy” board, but really its simple. Roman Catholics are obligated to attend the High (weekend) Mass. Thus the implicit question that is the theme of the above quote is “what differentiates Sunday (high) Mass from the weekday Mass”. Its like there is a Saturday Mass, and then there is a High Mass held on Saturday evening. Basically, its the liturgy; in specific, the Liturgy of the Word (aka. the readings). There is so much to talk about how the liturgical material is planned and how each parish has rules and also liberties when it comes to implemneting the liturgical material. When I travel, I sometimes become concerned about attending Mass on Saturday for the reason that I might not be properly fulfilling my weekly obligation. I usually go on Sunday because there isn’t any other Mass other than the High Mass that is said on Sunday…I don’t think…maybe a funeral or wedding Mass…gosh…well anyway, there isn’t a per se “daily” Mass said on Sunday.

Generally the High Mass has two readings, a gospel, and Psalm whereas the weekday Mass has only one reading and a gospel…and I think a psalm at certain parishes. The High Mass always says the “Gloria”, but not always is it recited during the weekday Mass. And, the weekend Mass lasts about an hour except on special feasts, but the daily Mass rarely exceeds 35 min.

Phew…I hope this helps.

1.) Mass on Sunday is not necessarily a “high Mass.” The high and low Masses (and pontifical high Mass too) exist within the Tridentine Latin Mass, and can be celebrated any time – weekday or weekend. The Novus Ordo Mass makes no allowances for “high” and “low” Masses.

2.) Mass on Saturday and the Saturday Vigil Mass are two different things.

3.) The Gloria is not always sung or recited on Sundays. During Lent the Gloria is omitted from the Mass until the Easter VIGIL Mass, THE most important Mass of the year which is held on Saturday nights.

 

[Crusader]

kfarose2585:

The Mass is held Sunday evening at 5:30. Are you saying that, since this is close to Sunday, it “counts” as a Sunday Mass? Does that mean that evening Mass on Sunday “counts” as Monday Mass?

The Saturday Vigil Mass does satisfy or Sunday obligation to attend Mass.

No.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

kfarose2585:

The Mass is held Sunday evening at 5:30. Are you saying that, since this is close to Sunday, it “counts” as a Sunday Mass? Does that mean that evening Mass on Sunday “counts” as Monday Mass?

For a Mass to meet the Sunday obligation, it must. 1. Begin after “First Vespers on the prior evening.”(4 to 6 pm) As determined by the local Bishop. 2. It must be the Mass and readings specified for that Sunday. (Sunday Mass requires specific prayers, homily, etc. that are not included in other weekday, Saturday or special masses.)

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

1.) Mass on Sunday is not necessarily a “high Mass.” The high and low Masses (and pontifical high Mass too) exist within the Tridentine Latin Mass, and can be celebrated any time – weekday or weekend. The Novus Ordo Mass makes no allowances for “high” and “low” Masses.

2.) Mass on Saturday and the Saturday Vigil Mass are two different things.

3.) The Gloria is not always sung or recited on Sundays. During Lent the Gloria is omitted from the Mass until the Easter VIGIL Mass, THE most important Mass of the year which is held on Saturday nights.

Easter and Christmas as well as January 1st I believe are unique and would really confuse the general discussion because they all have several different Masses at different times all with their own Lectionary and Gospel Readings.

 

[Crusader]

Br. Rich SFO:

Easter and Christmas as well as January 1st I believe are unique and would really confuse the general discussion because they all have several different Masses at different times all with their own Lectionary and Gospel Readings.

So?

Just out of curiousity. You are a secular Franciscan yet you use the title “brother?” Is that in keeping with the order’s direction?

 

[Tinkerbell]

Who cares if your protestant friends balk at our Saturday Evening vigil. It does fulfill your Sunday obligation, period…
The only person you need to please is God.
My advice to you is to study everything about our religion and you will see there is a reason for everything that we do.

 

[dream_wanderer]

I have been to some Protestant churches that had "Saturday Night Church’. This was when the church started to grow and couldn’t accomodate everyone on Sunday morning. We used to go to those services…no one seemed to think there was anything wrong with it…

dream wanderer

 

[muledog]

Br. Rich SFO:

For a Mass to meet the Sunday obligation, it must. 1. Begin after “First Vespers on the prior evening.”(4 to 6 pm) As determined by the local Bishop. 2. It must be the Mass and readings specified for that Sunday. (Sunday Mass requires specific prayers, homily, etc. that are not included in other weekday, Saturday or special masses.)

I think there is some confusion on exactly what a “vigil” Mass is.

According to the current Roman Calendar, there are only six vigil Masses each year, and they preceed Easter, Christmas, Pentecost, Ascension, Nativity of St. John the Baptist, and the Feast of Ss. Peter & Paul.

Many parishes inaccurately describe the Saturday evening “Mass of Anticipation” as a vigil Mass, when it is not. The main difference is that in an actual vigil Mass, it is intimately connected to the Feast that it preceeds, yet has separate propers and readings. It is followed by a night of fasting and prayers.

The Saturday evening Mass that most people refer to as a vigil is actually the Sunday Mass celebrated on Saturday. No more, no less. This error has led to many people forgetting what a vigil Mass actually is, and how it should be observed.

Secondly, there is debate on whether or not a Mass other than that with Sunday propers would satisfy the obligation (i.e. Wedding Mass, Funeral Mass, etc.). Canon Law is unclear in that it just states the following, and doesn’t actually stipulate which Masses on Saturday count (except for saying they have to be “in the evening.”)
Canon Law #1247::

On Sundays and other holy days of obligation the faithful are bound to participate in the Mass; they are also to abstain from those labors and business concerns which impede the worship to be rendered to God, the joy which is proper to the Lord’s Day, or the proper relaxation of mind and body.

Canon Law #1248.1:

The precept of participating in the Mass is satisfied by assistance at a Mass which is celebrated anywhere in a Catholic rite either on the holy day or on the evening of the preceding day.

In Christ,

• muledog

 

[JoJo_MIse]

Just alittle note. When the approval came out in the 70’s that there will be a Saturday evening Mass which will fulfill the Sunday obligation, it was stipulated that it should mainly be used for those people who could not make it on Sunday; for ex. Police, doctors, nurses, … or anyone who had a Sunday conflict with the morning Masses. It was feared that if people just leasurely attended the Saturday Evening Mass that they would spend their Sunday without regards to its stature as the Christian Sabbath. Some Parishes needed the Saturday Evening Mass to reduce the crowds on Sunday at Mass. Of course this was helpful when the Priest shortage came upon us, as well as mission Priests. Today, the Saturday Eve Mass is attended liberaly, and of course fulfills your Sunday Obligation. We should, if we have the choice, attend Mass on Sunday as a family.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

muledog:

I think there is some confusion on exactly what a “vigil” Mass is.

According to the current Roman Calendar, there are only six vigil Masses each year, and they preceed Easter, Christmas, Pentecost, Ascension, Nativity of St. John the Baptist, and the Feast of Ss. Peter & Paul.

Many parishes inaccurately describe the Saturday evening “Mass of Anticipation” as a vigil Mass, when it is not. The main difference is that in an actual vigil Mass, it is intimately connected to the Feast that it preceeds, yet has separate propers and readings. It is followed by a night of fasting and prayers.

The Saturday evening Mass that most people refer to as a vigil is actually the Sunday Mass celebrated on Saturday. No more, no less. This error has led to many people forgetting what a vigil Mass actually is, and how it should be observed.

Secondly, there is debate on whether or not a Mass other than that with Sunday propers would satisfy the obligation (i.e. Wedding Mass, Funeral Mass, etc.). Canon Law is unclear in that it just states the following, and doesn’t actually stipulate which Masses on Saturday count (except for saying they have to be “in the evening.”)

In Christ,

• muledog

You are correct it is common however to refer to Saturday Mass as “Saturday vigil”, however it is technically as you state.

I do mention Christmas and Easter and January 1st as feasts that do have their own proper “Vigils”.

Here are the specific documents that address this issue.

#28 Where permission has been granted by the Apostolic See to , pastors should explain the meaning of this permission carefully…when celebrated on Saturday this Mass may be celebrated only in the evening, at times determined by the local ordinary.

In these cases the Mass celebrated is that assigned in the calendar to Sunday…

Eucharisticum Mysterium, May 1967

General Norms for the Liturgical Year and the Calendar

#3 … The liturgical day runs from midnight to midnight, but the observance of Sunday and Solemnities begins with the evening of the preceeding day.

USCCB Norms Governing Liturgical Calendars, 1984

1. Because the faithful are obliged to attend Mass unless there is a grave impediment, pastors have the corresponding duty to offer to everyone the real possibility of fulfilling the precept. The provisions of Church law move in this direction, as for example in the faculty granted to priests, with the prior authorization of the diocesan bishop, to celebrate more than one Mass on Sundays and holy days,(85)** the institution of evening Masses(86) and the provision which allows the obligation to be fulfilled from Saturday evening onward, starting at the time of First Vespers of Sunday.(87) **From a liturgical point of view, in fact, holy days begin with First Vespers.(88) Consequently, the liturgy of what is sometimes called the “Vigil Mass” is in effect the “festive” Mass of Sunday, at which the celebrant is required to preach the homily and recite the Prayer of the Faithful.
2. Cf. Code of Canon Law, canon 1248, 1; Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches, canon 881, 2.

Pope John Paul II - *Dies Domini, *May 31, 1998

Note:
First Vespers begins between 4 and 6 pm
General instruction of the Divine Office, (Liturgy of the Hours) 1976

 

[muledog]

Br. Rich SFO:

1. Because the faithful are obliged to attend Mass unless there is a grave impediment, pastors have the corresponding duty to offer to everyone the real possibility of fulfilling the precept. The provisions of Church law move in this direction, as for example in the faculty granted to priests, with the prior authorization of the diocesan bishop, to celebrate more than one Mass on Sundays and holy days,(85)** the institution of evening Masses(86) and the provision which allows the obligation to be fulfilled from Saturday evening onward, starting at the time of First Vespers of Sunday.(87) **From a liturgical point of view, in fact, holy days begin with First Vespers.(88) Consequently, the liturgy of what is sometimes called the “Vigil Mass” is in effect the “festive” Mass of Sunday, at which the celebrant is required to preach the homily and recite the Prayer of the Faithful.
2. Cf. Code of Canon Law, canon 1248, 1; Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches, canon 881, 2.

Pope John Paul II - *Dies Domini, *May 31, 1998

Note:
First Vespers begins between 4 and 6 pm
General instruction of the Divine Office, (Liturgy of the Hours) 1976

Thanks, Brother Rich, for this clarifying statement. I had been researching the question for a few days, and didn’t notice this quote from Dies Domini.

I still feel uneasy about using the term vigil to describe the Saturday evening (Sunday) Mass of obligation. It’s technically and theologically inaccurate.

• muledog

 

[Psalm45_9]

I could be wrong on this, but I believe that the Jews attend temple on Friday evening, because Saturday is stricktly a day of rest.