Does Watching Mass On Tv Fulfill Sunday Obligation?
Q: I am very careful to attend Mass each Sunday. However, next year I will make a nature trek in Nepal for 16 days and will be unable to attend Mass. Can I go even though I will miss at least two Sunday Masses?
A: While Mass attendance is required of a Catholic each Sunday unless there is a serious reason to miss (cf. Catechism 2181), when attendance is unreasonably difficult or impossible, one can be excused. Hence, things like inclement weather, significant health issues, and travel, especially in remote locations, will often excuse one.
There are legitimate values in the journey you wish to make that may, in fact, help you to appreciate the glory of what God has created. Hence, it would be hard to argue that the trip would not be of sufficient value to permit a limited absence from Mass, if this cannot be reasonably avoided.
Simply watching Mass on TV does not fulfill the obligation
Catholics are however, obliged to secure permission from their proper pastor (cf Canon Law, 1245) and thus you ought not fail to discuss the matter with him.
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