http://alesrarus.funkydung.com/archives/2012 A Rare Bird, A Strange Duck, One Funky Blog Thu, 08 Jan 2009 18:30:20 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=abc hourly 1 http://alesrarus.funkydung.com/archives/2012/comment-page-1#comment-3459 Tom Smith Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000 http://alesrarus.funkydung.com/wordpress/archive/2022#comment-3459 Eric, the reason that the Mass is described as "fulfilling the Sunday obligation" is because it's at such a weird hour ON A SATURDAY and it isn't in a parish (or any church, for that matter). Many times, people are confused as to whether or not they've gone to Sunday Mass by going to Mass on Saturday evening, or outside their own parish. I think you're reading *way* too much about the Conference into this. http://alesrarus.funkydung.com/archives/2012/comment-page-1#comment-3460 Tom Smith Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000 http://alesrarus.funkydung.com/wordpress/archive/2022#comment-3460 Sorry. Make that first word "Jonathan" http://alesrarus.funkydung.com/archives/2012/comment-page-1#comment-3461 Emily T Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000 http://alesrarus.funkydung.com/wordpress/archive/2022#comment-3461 While he may be reading too much into the conference itself, particularly because of the "heavy hitters", he does have a very good point. I liken it to the fact that in the US we have to remove obligations for Holy Days if the fall on a Monday because we surely can't ask folks to attend Mass two days in a row. The mentality to me is the same. <br /><br />I never was comfortable with the Saturday evening "fulfilling of the obligation." It makes it seem like I'm going just to "punch my card" and say I was there. And I never cease to be amazed by the number of people at the earliest Saturday Mass at the Oratory, 4pm. People stand well outside the doors to the chapel, or wander around, or sit on the couch but usually are less than attentive, but I would venture to guess consider their obligation filled. I'm not trying to judge, here, but it is an interesting phenomenon when there is a Mass just 75 minutes later that is not typically as packed.<br /><br />I agree, 3:30 is an odd time and in most circumstances, I believe, would not "count" for the Sunday obligation, because I thought 4 was the magic time, so I can see their reason for putting in the statement, however, I still think Jonathan bring up a very good point about the mentality of a lot of folks toward Sunday Mass.
I never was comfortable with the Saturday evening "fulfilling of the obligation." It makes it seem like I'm going just to "punch my card" and say I was there. And I never cease to be amazed by the number of people at the earliest Saturday Mass at the Oratory, 4pm. People stand well outside the doors to the chapel, or wander around, or sit on the couch but usually are less than attentive, but I would venture to guess consider their obligation filled. I'm not trying to judge, here, but it is an interesting phenomenon when there is a Mass just 75 minutes later that is not typically as packed.

I agree, 3:30 is an odd time and in most circumstances, I believe, would not "count" for the Sunday obligation, because I thought 4 was the magic time, so I can see their reason for putting in the statement, however, I still think Jonathan bring up a very good point about the mentality of a lot of folks toward Sunday Mass.]]> http://alesrarus.funkydung.com/archives/2012/comment-page-1#comment-3462 Steve Nicoloso Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000 http://alesrarus.funkydung.com/wordpress/archive/2022#comment-3462 Well, Jonathan, like I always say, "The worst reason for doing the thing you ought to do is better than the best reason for not doing it." Sure, an obligation <i>ought</i> to be a joy, but we still need to do it even when it doesn't seem to be. We may one day say that we are worthless servants having only done what was required of us. And if so, we'll be blessed. ought to be a joy, but we still need to do it even when it doesn't seem to be. We may one day say that we are worthless servants having only done what was required of us. And if so, we'll be blessed.]]> http://alesrarus.funkydung.com/archives/2012/comment-page-1#comment-3463 Roz Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000 http://alesrarus.funkydung.com/wordpress/archive/2022#comment-3463 Here's an even better one to shock you, Jonathan: I had a friend tell me that during a wedding the priest told those in attendance that the wedding Mass fulfilled their Sunday obligation so that they could enjoy the reception. Granted, if the Mass were after the magic "4:00 PM" on Saturday, it's possible, but I think the readings and prayers would have to have been from the Sunday Mass. Not too many weddings I know like that!<br /><br />Unforunately, as others have posted above, people see Mass as something they to do instead of wanting to do. How many times have you seen people come in really late to Mass, often after the Gospel is proclaimed, and then leave right after communion? <br /><br />I'm trying to remember how I was catechized, but I believe the obligation was stressed more than anything else. Sometimes we also found out about it being a mortal sin if we didn't go. I wonder if others have the same thing drilled into their heads? <br /><br />Personally, I very rarely attend Mass on Saturday evening. I find it less fulfilling than going on Sunday.
Unforunately, as others have posted above, people see Mass as something they to do instead of wanting to do. How many times have you seen people come in really late to Mass, often after the Gospel is proclaimed, and then leave right after communion?

I'm trying to remember how I was catechized, but I believe the obligation was stressed more than anything else. Sometimes we also found out about it being a mortal sin if we didn't go. I wonder if others have the same thing drilled into their heads?

Personally, I very rarely attend Mass on Saturday evening. I find it less fulfilling than going on Sunday.]]> http://alesrarus.funkydung.com/archives/2012/comment-page-1#comment-3464 Tom Smith Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000 http://alesrarus.funkydung.com/wordpress/archive/2022#comment-3464 Actually, I think the reason that a lot of people go to Mass isn't because they think they have to; they really have no reason. It's simply what they do.<br /><br />I too always thought that the Saturday evening Sunday Mass was stupid. Liturgically, it kinda makes sense -- because Sunday has I and II Vespers, and it's ostensibly after First Vespers. . . but still, it's a major cop-out.
I too always thought that the Saturday evening Sunday Mass was stupid. Liturgically, it kinda makes sense — because Sunday has I and II Vespers, and it's ostensibly after First Vespers. . . but still, it's a major cop-out.]]> http://alesrarus.funkydung.com/archives/2012/comment-page-1#comment-3465 Jerry Nora Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000 http://alesrarus.funkydung.com/wordpress/archive/2022#comment-3465 It can be a cop-out, and I try to avoid Saturday evening Masses, but it came in handy for me before, so I won't knock it too much. As with any freedom or license, it can be (and almost certainly will be) abused, but that doesn't nullify legitimate use. http://alesrarus.funkydung.com/archives/2012/comment-page-1#comment-3466 Stuff Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000 http://alesrarus.funkydung.com/wordpress/archive/2022#comment-3466 For those who are bashing the Saturday vigil, I'd like to plead my particular case - as a member of the healthcare profession I am required to work approximately 1 of every 3 weekends, both days. This is not by my choice or so I can get time and a half (which I don't get on weekends, by the way), it is so those who are critically ill on both days of a weekend have good quality care. For me to beg off would be to ask for favoritism, and besides, even Jesus healed on the Sabbath. That being said, without the Saturday evening mass, I might very well be stuck. My shifts are such that I sometimes work through all the Sunday masses. Fortunately our hospital provides masses on the weekends, but many times the workload placed upon the skeleton crew is too much for me to be gone for a minimum of 45 minutes. Besides, it allows me to celebrate the sacrifice in the presence of my family, which is very important to me. I do make it a point to attend daily mass frequently, too. And I do take joy in every mass I attend. http://alesrarus.funkydung.com/archives/2012/comment-page-1#comment-3467 Karen Marie Knapp Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000 http://alesrarus.funkydung.com/wordpress/archive/2022#comment-3467 Remember, you're writing about a major conference, to which folk probably did major travelling, and from which they have to get back to wherever home is in time for Monday morning work..... some could be on the road or in airports a goodly part of Sunday. So methinks twas a kindness to relieve consciences about the "obligation" issue in this circumstance.