SATURDAY VIGIL MASS QUESTION from MARY JANE OFALT July 31, 2001 Bro. Ignatius,
I recently attended a wedding mass on a Saturday at 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. A priest in one diocese told my cousin that her Sunday Mass obligation was fulfilled. The priest from my diocese told me it wasn't and cited Canon Law and said Mass would have to be said after 4:30 p.m.
What is the right answer and appropriate time to fulfill one's Sunday obligation. Thank You for any help you may give me ! God Bless and Keep You in His Care !!
ANSWER by John-Paul Ignatius, OLSM on July 31, 2001 Dear Miss Ofalt:
Your priest is generally right.
But to be more accurate -- Canon Law does not set the time, but the Ecumenical Directory (a binding Vatican document) does. In order for Mass to fulfill Sunday Obligation it must be celebrated AFTER 4pm.
God Bless.
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