From a reader:
Can a Roman Catholic fulfill her Sunday Obligation at a Traditional Anglican Communion church that is part of one of the Pro-Dioceses awaiting the construction of the Ordinariate for the United States?
In the Code of Canon Law for the Latin Church can. 1248 says:
1. The precept of participating in the Mass is satisfied by assistance at a Mass which is celebrated anywhere in a Catholic rite either on the holy day or on the evening of the preceding day.
There are several things to consider.
First, has the Anglican priest and community actually been integrated into the Catholic Church, or are they still waiting?
Anglican orders are not recognized as valid. Thus, when Anglican priests are received into the Church as priests, they are ordained to the priesthood. No valid priesthood – no Mass – no fulfillment of the obligation.
Another point is, what are they celebrating? I understand that when the Anglicans are integrated into the Roman Communion they have to make some adjustments to their liturgical rites in regard at least to the consecration of the Eucharist, etc.
Once the priest and group have been integrated into the Catholic Church, then a person can fulfill the Mass Obligation.
This is a different situation from, for example, the Society of St. Pius X (SSPX). The SSPX has valid ordination and they are using what is obviously a Catholic rite for Mass. A person can fulfill the Sunday and Holy Day Obligation by attending a Mass at an SSPX chapel.
Let us pray for a speedy process for both the traditionally-minded Anglicans as well as the swift reunification of the SSPX.