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Hi, Dan —
Thanks for the question.
There is no prescribed length for
the Mass; it will vary from occasion
to occasion, circumstance to circumstance
and on whether you attend a Novus
Ordo Mass or Mass of the Extraordinary
Form (meaning a Tridentine Mass).
Factors the celebrant would consider:
- the weather: bad weather may
shorten the Mass
- time of day: if it is a
daily Mass, he knows that his
parishioners have to get to work
on time.
- if it is a special holy day,
it may be a bit longer
- a message or video from the
bishop for that week may make
it longer or shorter
- a special ceremonies e.g. Baptisms
during the Easter Vigil and any
Baptisms, Confirmations, or a
wedding during the Mass would make it a bit longer
All these factors are rightfully
decided by the celebrant with probable
input from the pastor and bishop.
Excluding these factors, there is never
a reason any priest should rush through
the Mass.
Remember, the goal here is to sanctify
our minds for that week by listening
to and receiving the Lord. Going
to any Catholic parish on a Sunday
just to pick up the bulletin
and leave does not count as making
your Sunday obligation and keeping
the third commandment.
Holy Mass starts with the celebrant
saying:
In the name of the Father, of
the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
and ends when he says:
Go the Mass has ended.
Doing anything less, is like going
to a festive dinner party with over
1,000 people who know you, and leaving
right in the middle of the dinner.
Let the Lord, who is really present in the Blessed Sacrament, strengthen
you for the week. Whether the priest
has a very good sermon or a boring
one, His Presence is strengthening
you while you are there!
Mike
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