Why Does the Priest Sometimes Skip the Homily at Mass? | Catholic Mass Explained
Have you ever attended Catholic Mass, listened to the Gospel, and waited for the priest's homily… …but then there wasn't one? Did Father forget? Is the priest allowed to skip the homily? And can a Catholic Mass legitimately be celebrated without one? The answer is yes—but it depends on the day and the celebration. IS A HOMILY REQUIRED AT EVERY MASS? No. According to Canon 767 §2 of the Code of Canon Law, at Masses celebrated with a congregation on Sundays and holy days of obligation, a homily is required and should not be omitted except for a serious reason. But what about an ordinary weekday Mass? A homily is strongly recommended, particularly during seasons such as Advent, Lent, and the Easter season, but it is not universally required at every weekday Mass. So if you attend a weekday Mass and the priest moves on after the Gospel without preaching, it does not automatically mean that he has done …More