When Christmas falls on a Sunday

[FrDavid96]

I appreciate the clarifications here. On the last statement about Christmas falling on a Monday, I would have thought (incorrectly, I see here, ) that the “Midnight Mass” (Christmas Eve Mass on Sunday in this case) would have fulfilled both the Sunday and the Monday Christmas obligation. I see your point, but I wonder how many follow this…? I wonder if many would think, "Well, I’m here and it’s actually Sunday, as it’s ten pm when the special (Christmas Eve, Vigil) music beings, and then I’m still here at one minute after Midnight, so that’s really Monday, Christmas! Do you think this mis-understanding occurs often (for new folks?) Thank you for your patience with a newbie. I joined the Church in 2004, and am still learning.

Also, I love attending Mass and love to go on Holy Saturday and then again on Easter morning. I hope that is all right. Was it David who said* "I was glad when they said to me, ‘let us go unto the House of the Lord?’ " *

That’s exactly how I feel!:harp::heaven:

Peace,
Kathryn Ann:angel1:

I can say that the misunderstanding certainly does occur. Last year, my own diocese (and I would guess many others) sent us many, many communications reminding us to schedule the Masses appropriately, and to remind our parishioners how the calendar worked (no two-for-one’s, etc.). When this does happen (Christmas on a Monday), much of the confusion can be avoided if the pastor simply schedules the Masses the right way and makes a point of clarifying which Masses are for which day. Some parishes have Sunday late-afternoon or evening Masses on a regular basis–and this is where things get really confusing. Though don’t misunderstand me, there’s nothing wrong with regular late Sunday Masses.

As far as your last statement about going to both the Easter Vigil and the Easter morning Masses–no problem there. It is perfectly all right.

 

[Joe_Kelley]

I have seen a lot of arguments on whether or not an evening mass could count for both obligations. However, I think it best not to play games with God. Someplace in the Bible it says something to the effect that with the devious, God is devious. And I think that He has had a lot more experience in how to be devious than I have.

 

[Spirithound]

I have seen a lot of arguments on whether or not an evening mass could count for both obligations. However, I think it best not to play games with God. Someplace in the Bible it says something to the effect that with the devious, God is devious. And I think that He has had a lot more experience in how to be devious than I have.

I prefer to take these discussions in a more inquisitive spirit. God works through the canon law of the Church, so it’s important for us to understand what our obligations are.