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Author Topic: am I a phony Christian b/c I don't want to drive 200 miles to traditional Mass?  (Read 1073 times)

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Änσnymσus

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I would just like to get everyone's opinion on this

If i don't drive 200 miles (closest tradtional Mass)

does that make me an un-committed Christian?

does that mean I am on my way to Hell?

this is NOT a rhetorical Q


Änσnymσus

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Would you ever make the trip, say for instance, for Easter? 


Offline Nadir

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Hmmm... 2000 miles = 320 kms.

Is that each way or is it a total of both directions?
Help of Christians, guard our land from assault or inward stain,
Let it be what God has planned, His new Eden where You reign.

Offline Nadir

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OOps! I meant 200 miles = 320 kms.
The same question applies.

Are you sure that is the nearest, or are you just looking into e.g. SSPX chapels?
Help of Christians, guard our land from assault or inward stain,
Let it be what God has planned, His new Eden where You reign.

Änσnymσus

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Do your best God doesn't expect the impossible but by all means avoid the shenanigans of the new mass


Offline TKGS

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No.  That does not make you a "phony Christians".  If possible, you should try to make it to a true Mass at least once a year during Easter time, but if that would be too much of an inconvenience (you'll have to use your conscience as a guide) you're still not a "phony Christian".

On the other hand, if you're going to the Novus Ordo instead, then everything you said applies.

Änσnymσus

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Be more specific.  
If you're reasonably ABLE to drive 200 miles---have the time, energy, finances---then I'd say yes, but you should then ask the priest how often you should attend.
If you simply DON'T WANT to make the sacrifice, even a few times a year, ALTHOUGH ABLE to do so, then you are in the wrong.  Contact the priest for advice.
If this involves SERIOUS INCONVENIENCE and would likely have a DETRIMENTAL EFFECT on your ability to perform your duty of state, then, no, you're not obliged. Again, at least let the priest know you exist and of your situation.

If, by the word "want," you really meant "obliged by Church law," then, no. A 200 mile drive is above and beyond what is required.  

I believe Church law specifies an hour by vehicle if you're able to avail yourself, or a walking/biking distance of a mile, if physically able.  Both presume no other impediments, ie, physical inability, essential employment, need to attend to the sick, elderly, very young, adverse weather conditions, etc. Make your dispensation official by contacting the priest.

My guess is that a Pharisaical person or persons have been harassing you.  If that is the case, tell them calmly, but firmly that Fr. N. has dispensed you, or quote Church law to them, then change the topic or say, "Please do not bring up this subject again," and walk away.  Do not try to justify yourself if God and Church have already done so, and NEVER argue, raise your voice, or show anger.

This is one of Satan's devices to drive you away from holiness.  Get on with the work saving your soul. By all means, pray for those persons.  They are likely guilty themselves and instead of repenting and confessing, they're attempting to lessen their feelings of shame by dumping them on you instead of going to Our Lord.

Hope this helps.




Änσnymσus

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Would you ever make the trip, say for instance, for Easter?
not everyone has brand new cars and comprehensive auto insurance, etc


Offline TKGS

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not everyone has brand new cars and comprehensive auto insurance, etc
Clearly the anonymous poster above who tell you, "Be more specific," is correct.  If you cannot make the journey, then you cannot make the journey.  Make Sunday as holy as you can.  Pray the rosary every day.  Do your best to live a good Catholic life.  Stay away from the Novus Ordo.  Pray for opportunities to attend the Holy Mass and go to confession.

Offline Nadir

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Quote
Quote from: Anonymous on Yesterday at 09:10:25 PM
Quote
Would you ever make the trip, say for instance, for Easter? 

not everyone has brand new cars and comprehensive auto insurance, etc
This reply is simply rudeness. This person asked a reasonable question, but the op has not answered it or mine, which were: 

Is that (200 miles) each way or is it a total of both directions?

Are you sure that is the nearest, or are you just looking into (one type of chapel) e.g. SSPX chapels?

It hardly shows good will on the part of the op.
Help of Christians, guard our land from assault or inward stain,
Let it be what God has planned, His new Eden where You reign.

Änσnymσus

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We used to drive 3 hours, 200 miles (one way) to Mass every Sunday. We had to just make a day of it.

I can understand staying home alone for that distance though if you have little ones or health problems. It's a hard thing to do, it really is.


Offline AMDGJMJ

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I would just like to get everyone's opinion on this

If i don't drive 200 miles (closest tradtional Mass)

does that make me an un-committed Christian?

does that mean I am on my way to Hell?

this is NOT a rhetorical Q
According to the laws and regulations of the Church, if it takes you over an hour to get to Mass, you are not obliged to go. 
That being said, you will certainly gain many graces if you make the effort!   :)
I used to travel 3-4 hours to Mass and then back again every weekend before I found a chapel that is only a little over an hour away.  I never regretted doing so, and it helped me spiritually SO MUCH!  But, that being said, I did not have a family to worry about taking with me, and not everyone has the stamina to do such...  I probably wouldn't do it as often if I had to go as far again, just because the driving is not as easy for me anymore and I would be afraid to fall asleep at the wheel...
"Jesus, Meek and Humble of Heart, make my heart like unto Thine!"

http://whoshallfindavaliantwoman.blogspot.com/

Änσnymσus

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not everyone has brand new cars and comprehensive auto insurance, etc
This is a ridiculous comment. If that was a qualification for travel, I'd never leave the house.
Our newest vehicle is 16 years old. And, since I bought it new, I can say that the number of times it has failed me is spread rather evenly over it's lifetime.
A more reasonable statement would be that not everyone can handle the possibility of car failure while away from their home... new car or old.

Änσnymσus

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According to the laws and regulations of the Church, if it takes you over an hour to get to Mass, you are not obliged to go.
According to Rev P. Chas. Augustine, O.S.B., D.D., in commenting on Canon 1248 on the obligation to assist at Mass, wrote, "If going to church would cause a great inconvenience, one may be freed from the duty ; but if the distance is not great, or the fatigue would be but small, the obligation does not cease." (A Commentary on the New Code of Canon Law, 1918)
I do not believe the law actually establishes an hour as the limit, but I have been told by multiple people and priests that the general consensus of moral theologians is that travel in excess of an hour can be excused as "a great inconvenience", though I do know one priest who told people that the "a great inconvenience" is an hour and a half required travel time. 

Offline AMDGJMJ

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I would like to see the "laws and regulations of the Church" that you are referring to.
I grew up knowing this and hearing it from SO MANY traditional Catholic priests that I don't even remember the source...  Sorry...   :-[
"Jesus, Meek and Humble of Heart, make my heart like unto Thine!"

http://whoshallfindavaliantwoman.blogspot.com/