Weekend Mass Dispensation

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RosalieM

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Is it possible to be excused from the obligatory weekend Mass if you are vacationing someplace or on a cruise with no access to Mass?

Thanks for your (name removed by moderator)ut.
 
Thanks so much. I will request a dispensation from him when the time comes. 🙂
 
  1. A dispensation is sought when the fulfiling of that which is obliged is overly burdensome. If it is impossible to attend Mass on a day of precept – such as because one is in the middle of the ocean or other place where there is no access to Mass or, for that matter, confined to a hospital room – one does not need a dispensation.
  2. The power to dispense and the power to commute is not uniquely the prerogative of one’s parish priest.
 
Also, don’t assume there is no Mass on a cruise. Many cruise lines have retired priests on staff. Ask before seeking a dispensation you may not need one.
I think in nearly any country that is a popular vacation spot there is a Catholic church somewhere.
 
If you are backpacking in the wilderness, on a cruise, or are anywhere else where there is no Sunday Mass, you have no obligation to attend Mass. Therefore, you do not need a dispensation. The Catholic Church does not demand the impossible.

And no, you not need to refrain from strenuous outdoor activities, and instead stay home, sit in your recliner, drink beer and watch tv all weekend just to attend Mass on Sunday.

I challenge anyone to name a parish that offers any activity for adults more strenuous than chair sitting. What parish even bothers to offer wilderness trips? Or, any other type of physical activity? Or, is the typical Catholic parish just for wimps?

Also, if it is so important to attend Sunday Mass, why do the clergy refuse to put an end to liturgical abuse?

Bottom Line: No Mass, No obligation, No dispensation needed.
 
Pre_Rejected said:
If you are backpacking in the wilderness, on a cruise, or are anywhere else where there is no Sunday Mass, you have no obligation to attend Mass. Therefore, you do not need a dispensation. The Catholic Church does not demand the impossible.

And no, you not need to refrain from strenuous outdoor activities, and instead stay home, sit in your recliner, drink beer and watch tv all weekend just to attend Mass on Sunday.

I challenge anyone to name a parish that offers any activity for adults more strenuous than chair sitting. What parish even bothers to offer wilderness trips? Or, any other type of physical activity? Or, is the typical Catholic parish just for wimps?

Also, if it is so important to attend Sunday Mass, why do the clergy refuse to put an end to liturgical abuse?

Bottom Line: No Mass, No obligation, No dispensation needed.
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Why should parishes provide such things as these? Is that what Mass etc is about?
 
tafan said:
Yes, but only by your pastor.
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True, but that needs some explanation.
  1. The bishop is the pastor of his diocese, and he can certainly give such a dispensation. In this context, “pastor” means both the pastor of the diocese and the pastor of the local parish.
  2. That can be delegated. The vicar general can grant that dispensation. Likewise, anyone else to whom the bishop delegates the authority. That can grow to be quite a long list.
  3. The dispensation can come from either the pastor of the place where one is located at the time, or ones home pastor.
 
FrDavid96 said:
True, but that needs some explanation.
  1. The bishop is the pastor of his diocese, and he can certainly give such a dispensation. In this context, “pastor” means both the pastor of the diocese and the pastor of the local parish.
  2. That can be delegated. The vicar general can grant that dispensation. Likewise, anyone else to whom the bishop delegates the authority. That can grow to be quite a long list.
  3. The dispensation can come from either the pastor of the place where one is located at the time, or ones home pastor.
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Thanks for the clarification Fr. In your opinion, how much importance should having an available mass take part in one’s planning of a vacation? I realize this is subjective, and certainly don’t want to start a debate on the topic. Just looking for guidance.
 
tafan said:
Thanks for the clarification Fr. In your opinion, how much importance should having an available mass take part in one’s planning of a vacation? I realize this is subjective, and certainly don’t want to start a debate on the topic. Just looking for guidance.
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That’s really personal.

I would say that it’s extremely important to make every effort to plan ones vacation in such a way as to have Mass on the schedule. At the same time, though, I would not want to deny someone an opportunity for a special kind of vacation that might be in an isolated area, like a trek through the mountains or an ocean cruise to name a few examples. What I’m saying here is that I do not think it wrong to plan something that you know will make Mass impossible.

I suppose it comes down to this: asking “what kind of vacation do you like?” If you’re drawn to something isolated or remote, then go. If you plan to visit a city, then there’s a good chance that Mass will be available (unless you’re going to some country where Catholicism is persecuted).

I’ll say this. Plan your vacation first. Then, if it seems you’ll have difficulty finding Mass, talk to your own priest in-person for guidance on whether you need a dispensation and if he will give one.
 
Boy_Wonder said:
Instead why not find a cruise or vacation destination where you may attend Holy Mass?
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When I was very young and not far college graduation I cruised with friends to the Bahamas and we attended mass in Nassau or Freeport. I enjoy experiencing Mass in other cultures.
 
Boy_Wonder said:
Instead why not find a cruise or vacation destination where you may attend Holy Mass?
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Because it is perfectly fine to visit places that do not have mass. A person who desires to visit a particular place where no Catholic mass is available, or whose travel plans will put them out of pocket for a mass, need not refrain from going to that place.

Let’s not be scrupulous.
 
Boy_Wonder said:
Instead why not find a cruise or vacation destination where you may attend Holy Mass?
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Because it’s not always possible or practical, and the Church does not require us to.

There may be a particular itinerary at a given schedule at the most reasonable price on a line that does not have Mass.

One is not obligated to pass up on that. I did this very thing because it was a cruise available at a time that suited us. We heard Mass in Barcelona, but did not do so on the ship because there was none. And I had no qualms about it and till now, I have no need to confess it and I have no issues receiving Communion over it.

Due diligence, I did speak to my pastor. But we don’t impose unnecessary burdens on Catholics where the Church does not even do so.
 
Another endorsement for Holland America – they have AOS-supplied priests on all cruises.
 
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