If I'm on active duty and can only attend a Protestant service, does it fulfill my Sunday obligation?
The short answer
No. A Protestant service does not fulfill the Sunday obligation. But if attending Mass is impossible, you have no obligation; the Church recommends that you take part in a Liturgy of the Word if one is available, or spend time in prayer alone, with family, or with groups of families.
What the obligation requires
The first precept of the Church calls the faithful to keep holy the day of the Resurrection and the principal feasts by taking part in the eucharistic celebration (CCC 2042). A Protestant service is not that.
When Mass is impossible
If participation in the Eucharist is impossible, you are not obliged to attend Mass. In that case canon law recommends taking part in a Liturgy of the Word if one is celebrated, or praying for a suitable time personally, with family, or with groups of families (CIC 1248).
Continue exploring
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