Masses said in the home QUESTION from Greg February 23, 2000
I am curious as to the rules/regulations regarding masses said in the home. Can a priest within the diocese say a mass in a home anywhere he is asked? Does he need some kind of permission from the bishop and/or parish priest? Also, how about a priest visiting from another country who has been given full privileges in the diocese? I am pretty sure that if it is an ongoing prayer group situation (once a week) permission is needed from the parish priest. I am just curious about having masses said in my home once in a while, say for a special feast day or anniversary. We had our family consecrated to the Sacred Heart by a Sacred Heart priest who celebrated mass in our home, and I was curious as to the proper rubrics and/or laws regarding home masses. ANSWER by Mr. John Miskell on April 5, 2000
Dear Greg, Thanks for your question; For the celebration of the Eucharist, the people of God normally assemble in a church or, if there is none, in some other fitting place worthy of so great a mystery. Churches and other places of worship should therefore be suited to celebrating the liturgy and thus ensuring the active participation of the faithful. Further, the places and requisites for worship should be truly worthy and beautiful, signs and symbols of heavenly realities. [GIRM #253]. Normally a priest requires permission from the local Ordinary to celebrate a Mass in a private home. With few exceptions, the rubrics are the same as a Mass in church. John Miskell Back to Index Page