Chrstnoel1, I believe it does fulfill the Sunday obligation. I don't think that the sermon is a necessary condition for fulfillment. Sometimes the Confessions before Mass take too long and the priest has to go elsewhere after Mass, or he has a bad throat, or a bad cold .... many reasons. This does not happen normally, as you will agree.

Traditionally, the sermon is not strictly even part of the Mass. It is a sort of an 'intermission' - signified by the removal of the chasuble. This is pre-1962.

Nevertheless, even if part of the Mass - as it is in the 1962 Missal - it is not necessary. In any case, if it were, I'm sure the priest would give a quick 30 sec sermon to ensure his congregation need not seek out another Mass for the day.

+JMJ+

Indeed, the Mass of the Catechumens consists of everything up to and including whatever sermon is offered. The sermon is instruction given primarily to those who are still learning the Faith in the most broad and basic senses; further spiritual direction and discipline are the prerogative and privilege of the baptized and confirmed Christian.

That is not to say, however, that the sermon is not important. It is crucial, especially in this dire time when Tradition is under attack and many will be seeking God and not having Catholic Masses to attend in their area. Every opportunity to speak openly and boldly about our One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church and Faith must be seized with zeal and determination to make Our Lord Jesus Christ known and loved and adored.

On the other hand, even if your traditional parish has short (or even non-existent) sermons, it behooves you as a Christian to relish what you have and seek out as many other chances for instruction and direction as you can. Those who are blessed to have faithful, holy priests to guide them are rich indeed.

St. John Chrysostom, eloquent preacher of Almighty God's glories, pray for us.

St. Anthony of Padua, hammer of heretics, terror of Hell, pray for us.

Immaculate Heart of Mary, triumph soon!

Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us.

It is my understanding that only the Mass of the Faithful is the obligatory part.  

We used to hear sermons about being late for Mass, and that, if we got there after the Offeratory began, then we were obliged to attend another Mass in order to fulfill our Sunday Obligation.

The good nuns taught us that the obligatory essential parts of the Mass are the Offertory, the Consecration and the Priest's Communion.

Quote from: Nadir

Quote from: Maria Elizabeth

It is my understanding that only the Mass of the Faithful is the obligatory part.  

We used to hear sermons about being late for Mass, and that, if we got there after the Offeratory began, then we were obliged to attend another Mass in order to fulfill our Sunday Obligation.

The good nuns taught us that the obligatory essential parts of the Mass are the Offertory, the Consecration and the Priest's Communion.

In the 1950's we were taught if you missed the Gospel....you missed Mass.
After all Jesus said  "Go and teach all nations" so His word is very important!

It's of course a good idea to always arrive early or at least on time for Mass, but as far as technicalities, M. E. is correct. The Offetory begins when the priest removes the veil from the chalice and you must be there by this point to fulfill your obligation. Once the priests' communion is complete, your obligation has been fulfilled.

Upto the early sixties, in large churches, sometimes after the priest came onto the main altar to say Mass on Sunday, he would be followed a little later by another priest who proceeded to a side altar to say his Mass. A few of the congregation would then move to that side altar to hear Mass, which would be Low and without a sermon, of course. And there would be no collection ... unless it was still going on when the collection basket was being passed around in the main body of the church.

if I miss mass do I have to go make a confession..is it  mortal sin?