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Kyle Blanchard wrote:

Hi, guys —

I had plans to spend the night at a friend's house Saturday night. I originally planned just to watch Mass online, but I feel I'm not fulfilling my obligation.

Should I go to Mass:

  • before I go (to my friend's house)
  • leave early, or
  • watch Mass online?
Kyle
  { Am I fulfilling my Sunday Mass obligation by watching Mass on T.V. or should I go to a local or neighboring parish for Mass? }

Paul replied:

Kyle,

Since Mass attendance is morally obligatory, you must attend Mass either on Sunday or its vigil on Saturday evening. Watching it on T.V. does not fulfill one's obligation.

Whether it be before or after your visit is up to your prudential judgment.

Paul

Mike replied:

Dear Kyle,

I just wanted to add a bit to what Paul said.

Watching Mass on T.V. is different from attending Mass.

Whenever the Mass is celebrated, as Catholics, we enter into that One Sacrifice of Calvary; that sacrifice takes place on Earth in a Catholic parish.

Another reason to go to your local parish on a weekly basis is to keep in touch with a Catholic culture. Yes, I know that at some parishes this can be a little weak to say the least but just to know and keep in touch with your fellow Catholic Christians can come in handy when you need them for an array of reasons.

It cannot take place at one's home or apartment except for extraordinary reasons approved by the local bishop.

Now if a disabled or elderly person cannot get to Mass for good reasons, Christ and His Church would supply the graces from that Mass for them.

Such people, if an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist cannot get to their home or apartment, should also say a Spiritual Communion.

Spiritual Communion

O Lord Jesus, I believe that You are present in the Most Blessed Sacrament of the Altar.

I love you above all things, (with all my mind, with all my heart, and with all my soul).
I love you because you are infinitely good and worthy of all my love.

Since I cannot receive You now sacramentally, at least come spiritually into my heart.
I embrace myself entirely to You and unite myself wholly to You.
Never permit me to be separated from You.

Come Lord Jesus and glorify Yourself through my weak, broken body.

Amen.

My colleagues may have more to add.

I hope this helps,

Mike
Please report any and all typos or grammatical errors.
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