Catholics/re: Sunday mass

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Expert: Fr. Timothy Johnson - 12/18/2008


Question
QUESTION: Is there any limit to the number of masses you can attend in one day.  From vigil to Sunday night I could - if I wanted to - go to 5 Latin masses.  I want to - but, I don't know if I'm allowed to.
When does the Holy day begin and end?  Does it start on Sunday morning (first light or when you wake up) to when you go to sleep?

ANSWER: Hi, Jenni:
Thanks for the question.
Yes.  You could attend all 5-Masses in one day.  You may receive Holy Communion at no more than 2 of them.
A Holy Day begins and ends from about 4:00 PM the previous calendar day, and ends, presumably, at 12:00 midnight of the calendar day.

Fr. Timothy Johnson

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you for your answer.  I was wondering - does that mean, in order to keep Sunday holy - it would be best not to go out or entertain on both Saturday and Sunday nights?  I'm asking because I was asked to go out to dinner with other Catholics on Sunday night - and was wondering if this was OK.  I thought perhaps having family over, or visiting family on Saturday or Sunday would be  OK though. I'm not sure.  I know what Jesus said about the Sabbath - but, I didn't want to stretch the rules too much.

Answer
Hi, Jenni:
Thanks for the question.
It is OK to entertain on a SAT and/or SUN night, provided it is always within the bounds of good Christian fellowship; and, of course, provided that you are keeping your Sunday obligation of assisting at Mass.  Since you know what Jesus said about the Sabbath, then follow Jesus.  Are you looking for loopholes, or what?  Your questions are getting a little off the track here, in my opinion.

Fr. Timothy Johnson

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Fr. Timothy Johnson

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A Traditional Catholic Priest, validly and licitly ordained, incardinated legally and canonically in the Diocese of Fargo, and in good-standing with my Local Ordinary (Bishop) on active assignment at a rural Tri-Parish. I can provide honest and balanced answers to questions on topics pertaining to Traditional Roman Catholicism of the Latin Church (Councils of Trent and Vatican II)and a lot about the Eastern Catholic Churches, including the Sacred Liturgy, Sacred Scripture, Church History, the use of the Latin language, the tradition of Sacred Music, and current events in the Catholic Church from a traditional, historical and balanced perspective.

Experience

I have been ordained a Roman Catholic Priest since June 2001.

Organizations
Knights of Columbus; Church Music Association of America (CMAA)

Education/Credentials
Ordained Priest, 02 JUN 2001; Ordained Deacon, 27 JAN 2001; MA - Dogmatic/Systematic Theology; MDiv - Professional Degree from Seminary; 2-Years formation with Canons Regular of Premontre including studies and experience in Sacred Liturgy, Chant, Latin, Sacraments, Spirituality. BA - Scholastic/Thomistic Philosophy; BA - Liberal Arts; AA - General Studies.

Past/Present Clients
I serve 3-small, rural Parish Communities in Easter North Dakota
I converted to the Roman Catholic Church in 1981, at the age of 15. Over the years I have done work as an organist, cantor, and choir director for the Latin Rite (English & Latin) Mass (Liturgy of the Eucharist), and even for the Hours of the Divine Office. I have worked as a cantor for a Melkite Byzantine Catholic Church. Presently my pastoral and administrative duties as a Catholic Priest do not allow me as much time as I used to have to devote to Sacred Music; but for my weekend Masses and Solemnities within my Tri-Parish, I offer High Sung Mass in English. Weekday Mass is typically Low Mass (recited Mass) in English, though on occasion I will offer the "Tridentine Mass" in Latin, which I usually offer on my "Day Off", as well. And now, in light of the "Motu Proprio" by his Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI placing the extraordinary usage of the Roman Rite back into the mainstream of the Catholic Church, I have been offering a regularly scheduled SUN, 2:00 PM Tridentine Latin Mass with a community of the faithful that has a stable existence.

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