Frequently Asked Questions
Regarding
THE VALIDITY OF
THE SATURDAY NIGHT MASS
AS A SUNDAY MASS OBLIGATION
(Amended April 30, 2018.)
Q. 1. If I go to Holy Mass on Saturday night, does that attendance fulfill my Sunday Obligation to attend Holy Mass as required by the First Precept of the Church?
A. 1. Yes, it does. Church Canon Law # 1248 �1 states: "The obligation of assisting at Mass is satisfied wherever Mass is celebrated in a Catholic Rite either on a holy day itself or on the evening of the previous day."
Contrary to the belief of some, it does not matter if the liturgical readings of the Holy Mass are those of the Saturday or Sunday. Canon Law only requires that the celebration of the Holy Mass be on the evening of the previous day.
Q. 2. What does the Canon Law mean by "on the evening of the previous day?" When does the evening being? Is it at 7:00 P.M. or what?
A. 2. The Church has never defined when the evening begins. At the Vatican, when the evening Holy Mass is celebrated, it is at 5:00 P.M. or later.
Q. 3. If I go to Holy Mass on Saturday night instead of Sunday, how does that affect my Sunday obligation of rest?
A. 3. Church Canon Law # 1247 states: "On Sundays and other holydays of obligation, the faithful are obliged to assist at Mass. They are also to abstain from such work or business that would inhibit the worship to be given to God, the joy proper to the Lord's Day, or the due relaxation of mind and body."
Attending Holy Mass on Saturday night versus Sunday does not change one's obligation to asbstain from shopping on Sundays and holydays and to rest on such days. That means faithful Catholics should not be going to shop on Sunday when such can be done on Saturdays. On Sunday, they should be resting and enjoying the day with their family and friends, doing some spiritual reading, reflection, meditation, enjoying the beauties of God's creations.
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