Catholics/assumption

Advertisement

Expert: Fr. Timothy Johnson - 8/10/2009


Question
Hello Father,
We live in a small town that now has one catholic community church..So we've tried to get a hold of our local priest but we get an answering machine...this may be quicker.  The assumption is this Sat. and we were wondering if going to mass on Sunday takes care of our obligation, a few of us say yes, but some say no..I thought when the holy day is on a sat. we can choose  which day we wish to attend.  thank you.

Answer
Hi, Jan:
Thanks for the question.
Unfortunately, since I don't know which Diocese you live in, I cannot give you a complete and definite answer for your circumstance...
In MOST Dioceses in the U.S.A., this year the Solemnity of the Assumption of the BVM is not being observed legally and canonically as a Holy Day of OBLIGATION.  This is because it falls on a SATURDAY this year; however, it is always a Holy Day of great and profound celebration and devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and the wonderful work of Salvation God has worked in Her.
I don't know whether YOUR Diocese will be observing it as a day of obligation... but I do know that in MY Diocese it is not a day of obligation;
Nevertheless, since I virtually always schedule a SAT morning Mass at my central Parish throughout the entire year anyway, we will be celebrating the ASSUMPTION of the the BVM this coming SAT morning, 15 AUG at 10:00 AM.
Hopefully you might have the opportunity to attend a SAT morning Mass for the Assumption because of your love and devotion for the Blessed Virgin Mary, regardless of whether it is a day of obligation or not; and, of course, you will need to attend the Mass of SUN this coming weekend, whether as a SAT evening vigil Mass for the Sunday, or on SUN morning.
Thanks for the good question, and God bless you!
I hope you have some success in finding what is available to you for this coming weekend schedule at your local Parish!

Fr. Timothy Johnson

Catholics

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Fr. Timothy Johnson

Expertise

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.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.