“From the day of Pentecost, after the coming of the Holy Spirit, the Church of Christ has always faithfully come together to celebrate the paschal mystery on the day called ‘the Lord’s Day’ in memory of the Lord’s resurrection. In the Sunday assembly the Church reads in all the Scriptures those things that concern Christ and celebrates the eucharist as the memorial of the death and resurrection of the Lord until he comes.”
Directory for Sunday Celebrations in the Absence of a Priest, par. 1
Due to the insufficient number of priests in the Diocese of Gaylord, it is more and more common that our priests are required to travel significant distances to celebrate Mass for the faithful of our parishes. On rare occasions, it is impossible for a priest to celebrate a scheduled Sunday Mass in a parish. When this occurs, it is still important that the faithful gather together on that Sunday so that “by hearing the word of God…they may call to mind the passion, the resurrection and the glorification of the Lord Jesus, and may thank God who ‘has begotten them again, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, unto a living hope’” (Sacrosanctum Concilium, no. 106).
Nevertheless, it is important to note that these celebrations are not the sacrifice of the Mass, which cannot take place in the absence of a priest. Rather, these celebrations should serve to “increase the desire of the faithful to take part in the celebration of the Eucharist, and should make them more eager to be present at the celebration of the Eucharist” (DSCAP, no. 22). The faithful who gather at these assemblies should, therefore, pray that God will continue to increase in our diocese vocations to the priesthood.
- Who is allowed to lead Sunday Celebrations in the Absence of a Priest?
The bishop of Gaylord has delegated specific deacons and lay leaders in each parish to lead the prayers at these celebrations according to the ritual text, Sunday Celebrations in the Absence of a Priest, approved for use in the United States.
- What does a Sunday Celebration in the Absence of a Priest look like?
Sunday Celebrations in the Absence of a Priest vary by diocese. In the Diocese of Gaylord, the ritual takes the form of a celebration of the Liturgy of the Word. The rite begins with the introductory rites, omitting the Penitential Act and the Gloria. Then, the readings assigned for that Sunday are proclaimed. The deacon or lay leader of prayer proclaims the Gospel, while only a deacon gives a homily. The Profession of Faith and Prayers of the Faithful follow and then an Act of Thanksgiving is made by the faithful. The rite concludes with a prayer for vocations to the priesthood, a blessing by the deacon (if present), and the Sign of Peace.
- When may Sunday Celebrations in the Absence of a Priest occur?
Sunday Celebrations in the Absence of a Priest may only occur on Sundays.* The priest responsible for a given parish should first make every effort to make himself or another priest available to offer Mass on behalf of the faithful. Nevertheless, when it is truly impossible for a priest to be present—for example, due to hazardous weather conditions—and for the faithful to participate in another Mass that day, “it is of paramount importance that the parish or mission community still come together to celebrate the Resurrection of the Lord” (SCAP, no. 14).
*Note: this is not inclusive of anticipated Masses on Saturday evening. If a priest becomes unavailable for a Saturday evening Mass but the people have already gathered, they are to be instructed to seek out a Mass time either later that evening or on Sunday.
- Does participation in Sunday Celebrations in the Absence of a Priest fulfill my Sunday Obligation?
“If because of lack of a sacred minister or for another grave cause participation in the celebration of the Eucharist is impossible, it is specially recommended that the faithful take part in the liturgy of the word if it is celebrated in the parish church or in another sacred place according to the prescriptions of the diocesan bishop, or to engage in prayer for an appropriate amount of time personally or in a family or, as occasion offers, in groups of families” (CIC, can. 1248 §2).
No, Sunday Celebrations in the Absence of a Priest do not fulfill one’s obligation to participate in Mass on Sundays. If participation at Mass is at all possible, including by traveling to a nearby church, it is always obligatory for the faithful reasonably disposed to do so. However, if participation in Mass is truly impossible, the faithful’s obligation is relieved.
Individuals should discern for themselves whether they are reasonably disposed to participate in Mass elsewhere before participating in a Sunday Celebration in the Absence of a Priest. If this is so, while it is praiseworthy to gather as a community for such a celebration rather than stay at home, participation in Sunday Celebrations in the Absence of a Priest is by no means obligatory.
