What do I do about missing church this Sunday?

[lemonadish]

Greetings all. I am a college student who began going through RCIA November 2008, but decided with our Newman Center priest and director to withold receive the sacrements until next Easter, as I started the class late. I have been going to mass every week for at least two years or so and I understand the importance of the service.

My dilemma is going to be what to do this Sunday. My family is leaving for a vacation on that day. Our plane leaves at 8:00 in the morning and we probably won’t get to our destination (Waikoloa, Hawaii) until the late afternoon. I am also having trouble even finding a church in the area, the concierge at our hotel gave me the name of one I can’t find any information about anywhere. Finally, to top it off, my parents have told me that they are probably not going to be willing to drive me around in search of a church. I am 19 and unable to drive the rental car. In the chance that I am unable to go to mass this Sunday or the Sunday three weeks later when we leave to go home, what should I do?!?

 

[Ron_Conte]

Greetings all. I am a college student who began going through RCIA November 2008, but decided with our Newman Center priest and director to withold receive the sacrements until next Easter, as I started the class late. I have been going to mass every week for at least two years or so and I understand the importance of the service.

My dilemma is going to be what to do this Sunday. My family is leaving for a vacation on that day. Our plane leaves at 8:00 in the morning and we probably won’t get to our destination (Waikoloa, Hawaii) until the late afternoon. I am also having trouble even finding a church in the area, the concierge at our hotel gave me the name of one I can’t find any information about anywhere. Finally, to top it off, my parents have told me that they are probably not going to be willing to drive me around in search of a church. I am 19 and unable to drive the rental car. In the chance that I am unable to go to mass this Sunday or the Sunday three weeks later when we leave to go home, what should I do?!?

It is not a sin to miss Mass on ocassion because of travel, illness, the need to care for children or the sick, or the requirements of a job.

 

[Heath_Bar]

Most Catholic Churches offer a Saturday evening Mass which fulfills the Sunday requirement. Simply ask the parish that you normally attend what time their Saturday evening Mass is and go to that one. As for the one coming back, that may be a little tougher if your parents are unwilling to take you to attend a Saturday evening Mass. You may have to see whether a local parish near you holds a Sunday Evening Mass that would be attendable after you got home. I see that you are a college student. Many colleges have a “Hangover Mass” late Sunday evenings. Keep up the dedication, and bless you for coming home to Rome!

 

[Tietjen]

Greetings all. I am a college student who began going through RCIA November 2008, but decided with our Newman Center priest and director to withold receive the sacrements until next Easter, as I started the class late. I have been going to mass every week for at least two years or so and I understand the importance of the service.

My dilemma is going to be what to do this Sunday. My family is leaving for a vacation on that day. Our plane leaves at 8:00 in the morning and we probably won’t get to our destination (Waikoloa, Hawaii) until the late afternoon. I am also having trouble even finding a church in the area, the concierge at our hotel gave me the name of one I can’t find any information about anywhere. Finally, to top it off, my parents have told me that they are probably not going to be willing to drive me around in search of a church. I am 19 and unable to drive the rental car. In the chance that I am unable to go to mass this Sunday or the Sunday three weeks later when we leave to go home, what should I do?!?

Go Saturday evening.

 

[jmjconder]

When I am in the situation that I am going to miss Mass due to travel (through no fault of my own) I have gone to my pastor ahead of time and asked for a dispensation. I have always granted one due to circumstances and have been given the peace of mind that has allowed me to travel in peace.

 

[srferdave]

Am I wrong, but I thought that until one is joined to the Church in the sacraments one is not obligated to follow the rules. Don’t get me wrong, I still think it is very wise for one to follow the rules up to the point of baptism as God has given us these rules for our benefit. But I heard that one is not bound under the Catholic Church until one officially is joined in communion with it. Have I heard this wrong?

 

[jmjconder]

Am I wrong, but I thought that until one is joined to the Church in the sacraments one is not obligated to follow the rules. Don’t get me wrong, I still think it is very wise for one to follow the rules up to the point of baptism as God has given us these rules for our benefit. But I heard that one is not bound under the Catholic Church until one officially is joined in communion with it. Have I heard this wrong?

OOPS I forgot the OP was in the RCIA. You are corrected and I am wrong. Thanks. However it is a great reminder for Catholics to remember about the dispensation for Sunday Mass.

 

[Ron_Conte]

Am I wrong, but I thought that until one is joined to the Church in the sacraments one is not obligated to follow the rules. Don’t get me wrong, I still think it is very wise for one to follow the rules up to the point of baptism as God has given us these rules for our benefit. But I heard that one is not bound under the Catholic Church until one officially is joined in communion with it. Have I heard this wrong?

It depends on whether or not one is baptized. The rule to attend Mass is not binding on the unbaptized, but those preparing for baptism should generally attend.

Some RCIA candidates are baptized, but not confirmed; others are not baptized.

 

[Halos1n2Horns]

When I was in RCIA I was told it’s a mortal sin to miss sunday mass, But sometimes it can’t be helped. You may also want to check and see when during the week are the week day masses also, you can attend them too, It will make up for a Sunday mass, I was told this by a Priest. Good Luck and keep up the good faith of being faithful to the Church.

Halos1

 

[Seatuck]

When I was in RCIA I was told it’s a mortal sin to miss sunday mass, But sometimes it can’t be helped. You may also want to check and see when during the week are the week day masses also, you can attend them too, It will make up for a Sunday mass, I was told this by a Priest. Good Luck and keep up the good faith of being faithful to the Church.

Halos1

Weekday Masses do not make up for a missed Sunday Mass. If a person has a just reason for missing Mass such as being sick, taking care of a child or another dependant or traveling then there is no obligation . Of course it is always a good thing to go to a Weekday Mass.

 

[Seatuck]

Greetings all. I am a college student who began going through RCIA November 2008, but decided with our Newman Center priest and director to withold receive the sacrements until next Easter, as I started the class late. I have been going to mass every week for at least two years or so and I understand the importance of the service.

My dilemma is going to be what to do this Sunday. My family is leaving for a vacation on that day. Our plane leaves at 8:00 in the morning and we probably won’t get to our destination (Waikoloa, Hawaii) until the late afternoon. I am also having trouble even finding a church in the area, the concierge at our hotel gave me the name of one I can’t find any information about anywhere. Finally, to top it off, my parents have told me that they are probably not going to be willing to drive me around in search of a church. I am 19 and unable to drive the rental car. In the chance that I am unable to go to mass this Sunday or the Sunday three weeks later when we leave to go home, what should I do?!?

Since you haven’t been brought into the church yet you don’t have the obligation under penalty of mortal sin yet. Try a Saturday Mass. Or check www.masstimes.org for a Mass where you are traveling to.

 

[Tietjen]

You may also want to check and see when during the week are the week day masses also, you can attend them too, It will make up for a Sunday mass, I was told this by a Priest.

This is incorrect. Perhaps you misunderstood.

 

[kage_ar]

Use the Mass Times link to find nearby Parishes. Call the Parish and see if they will pick you up at the hotel, or see if the hotel has a shuttle service.

You can attend Sat PM Mass on the days before you travel.

If none of these are possible, ask your Priest for a dispensation.