catholic mass?

[lilyhammer]

Hi,

 

I was wondering if Holland America still performs a catholic mass or other religious services during the cruise. If the cruise begins and ends on Sunday, are services still held? If so, when are these held?

 

Thanks for your help!

[tomc]

There is a RC priest on all HAL ships. I've been on Sunday-Sunday cruises and, if memory serves, there was Mass on Saturday afternoon. But don't hold me to that.

[geocruiser]

Hi,

 

HAL still has Catholic daily mass. They may have it on the departing day of the cruise if the priest gets on board early enought or is all ready on the ship (himself doing back to back cruises), where he can get a time slot for it.

I have a good friend who is a Catholic chaplin for HAL and he does mass every day.

 

Geo

[RevNeal]

All HAL cruises are supposed to have a Roman Catholic Chaplain aboard for services every (or nearly every) day. Sunday mass will often be soon after port departure if the cruise begins on a Sunday. The time of services will vary through the day depending upon it being a port day or a sea day and depending upon port arrival and departure times.

 

Protestant Chaplains are aboard for (1) all cruises 10 days or longer, (2) all cruises over Holy Days, (3) some cruises that begin mid-week and include Sundays (depending upon itinerary). We will hold Sunday services for all non-Roman Catholic Christians (though all are welcome), and will often hold services of various kinds on weekdays too. Having served as a Protestant Chaplain in the past, I have held Ash Wednesday services, Sunday morning services with communion (for passengers and for the Dutch Reformed European officers and crew ... you'd be surprised how rarely some of them get to receive communion), midweek evening prayer services (during Lent), and Bible Studies. One of the problems I've noticed is that some Protestant Chaplains don't offer communion at all during a cruise, which puts those Protestants who have weekly Eucharist as part of their spiritual life in a difficult spot. My advice is ... ASK and ye shall receive. :)

[tomc]

My reply to a note on another, slightly more addictive, board:

 

OP: We are going to a b'day party for my DH's uncle who is a priest on Saturday.

 

tomc: What is he the rest of the week??

 

(You can see it for yourself, just so you know I didn't make this one up.)

[RevNeal]

My reply to a note on another, slightly more addictive, board:

 

OP: We are going to a b'day party for my DH's uncle who is a priest on Saturday.

 

tomc: What is he the rest of the week??

 

(You can see it for yourself, just so you know I didn't make this one up.)

 

Only you, tom ... only you!!!!

I'm going to steal that one for future plagiarizing.

[kryos]

Protestant Chaplains are aboard for (1) all cruises 10 days or longer,

Good. I was hoping this would be the case. While I am Catholic, and do attend mass while onboard, I do sometimes prefer the non-denominational services as well. I would really like it if someone offered bible studies on my upcoming Amsterdam cruise.

 

I really enjoy having the opportunity to "renew" my spiritual life while sailing since, sadly, I don't attend services as often as I should at home due to working on the weekends.

 

Blue skies ...

 

--rita

[ESLO]

Hi All,

 

Yes, I do agree with all the postings on this Message Board about the celebration of Catholic Mass on HAL Ships.

 

My personal experiences are also:

 

With the majority of all our cruises out of the Port Of NYC, we have had Masses celebrated normally on the day of embarkation about a half hour after the boat drill. Unfortuately it does also occurs during the Sail Away Party and departuring/viewing NY Harbor, but those interested do come down do attend.

 

Several times we had the privilege to attend and serve as Ministers of Holy Communion with Father Mike from a Newark Hospital who we have met on past cruises and sail on HAL. Also during cruises where special holidays land like Memorial Day, Fr Mike and some of the onboard entertainers presented a very special meaningful reflective service for the occassion.

 

We also learned from Fr Mike, Masses are also offered when an appropiate room is available for the number of people are expected to attend can be made available so it can be properly published in the daily newsletter. Normally the theater is used. One note to mention, if the Mass is held before dinner on Saturday Night in the theater, get there early for a seat as we experienced even that space is overcrowded and out the doors.

 

We have learned also that the time Mass maybe celebrated depends on the seating the OnBoard Celergy may work around.

 

If you don't mind giving up a show or time in the Casino, we have also experienced the Mass for the Crew late in the evening that is said when they are available to attend after their duties are done for the day. We have seen this in one of the large community rooms that is vacate as the theater has movies playing at nite.

 

Yes, it is like nothing you can descript attending Mass in a foreign port or out at sea with fellow passengers on a Cruise Ship. The sense of fellowship and community sharing the common bond of the liturgy and eucharist on this vast open sea that is one of Our Creator's works.

 

One last mention, if you happen to be a Minister of Holy Communion or Lector on vacation, there is not higher honor than to offer your assistance to the Clergy On Board to serve during the celebration of Mass. There seems always to be a need especially on HAL ships because of the number of Catholics on board that attend the Masses. But don't surprised if others have come forwarded ahead of you to assist as many enjoy offering their services.

 

Happy cruising.....

[Grumpy1]

In addition to the Catholic and Protestant clergy, the World Tour also had a Jewish rabbi. He was quite the busy person on the 2005 Prinsendam Tour, as he was also the person conducting opera appreciation lectures, weekly "ask the Rabbi" chats, and still found time to do all that needed to be done in the kitchen to prepare a seder dinner for about 40 passengers, some of whom were not Jewish but wanted to be a part of the experience.

[Frogso]

How does one find out about the Mass being said for crew members?

[kryos]

How does one find out about the Mass being said for crew members?

I don't think you'll know about that unless you ask a member of the crew. But I would also imagine you wouldn't be able to attend a crew service, for that would take place on the crew-only decks.

 

However, services for passengers will be announced in the daily bulletin, along with the time and place of the services.

 

Blue skies ...

 

--rita

[cdkempton]

Is it possible there would be a midnight mass on Christmas eve??

[PAK]

Although an Orthodox Christian, I have a favorable impression of Holland America, along with Celebrity and NCL, for their agreeing to only use Catholic Chaplains approved by Apostolatus Maris, and my wife and I are much more likely to sail with them for that reason. None of the other lines offer any assurance that the Catholic Chaplain will be in communion with Rome.

 

Related to this subject, I did note that elsewhere on this board, the very knowledgable RevNeal did write that "Admission to the Eucharist [offered by Roman priests] is barred for Eastern Orthodox Christians..." This can be confusing, and many Roman priests are not aware of the situation, but Pope John Paull II, speaking through the Pontificial Council for Promoting Christian Unity, made clear that there is no such barrier between the Eastern and Western churches. I append below two references.

 

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AA: What are the conditions to have eucharistic communion between the believers of the Orthodox Church and the Catholic Church? Is it necessary to have the same theology of marriage, of filioque , of purgatory?

 

LH: No. Our attitude practically is that between the Orthodox and ourselves there are no differences in faith. Questions like purgatory, the Immaculate Conception or the filioque are theological concepts, not faith. And they of course are very different, but they are ultimately complementary. So they do not represent a different faith. They represent a different understanding of the gift of faith. What is our practical stand on intercommunion? If a Catholic finds himself in a position where there is no Catholic church around, he can freely go to the Orthodox church and receive sacraments. The same thing when an Orthodox cannot find an Orthodox priest, we don't deny him the sacraments, especially confession and holy Communion. The only problem is the scandal that it means, not to give the impression that it doesn't make a difference what you are. You are what you are. But the circumstances are such that you are in need and we are open to help you or to being helped.

 

http://www.risu.org.ua/eng/religion.and.society/interview/husar/

 

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Sharing in Sacramental Life, especially the Eucharist

 

a) Sharing in Sacramental Life with members of the various Eastern Churches

 

122. Between the Catholic Church and the Eastern Churches not in full communion with it, there is still a very close communion in matters of faith.125 Moreover, "through the celebration of the Eucharist of the Lord in each of these Churches, the Church of God is built up and grows in stature" and "although separated from us, these Churches still possess true sacraments, above all—by apostolic succession—the priesthood and the Eucharist...".126 This offers ecclesiological and sacramental grounds, according to the understanding of the Catholic Church, for allowing and even encouraging some sharing in liturgical worship, even of the Eucharist, with these Churches, "given suitable circumstances and the approval of church authorities".127 It is recognized, however, that Eastern Churches, on the basis of their own ecclesiological understanding, may have more restrictive disciplines in this matter, which others should respect. Pastors should carefully instruct the faithful so that they will be clearly aware of the proper reasons for this kind of sharing in liturgical worship and of the variety of discipline which may exist in this connection.

 

123. Whenever necessity requires or a genuine spiritual advantage suggests, and provided that the danger of error or indifferentism is avoided, it is lawful for any Catholic for whom it is physically or morally impossible to approach a Catholic minister, to receive the sacraments of penance, Eucharist and anointing of the sick from a minister of an Eastern Church.128

 

124. Since practice differs between Catholics and Eastern Christians in the matter of frequent communion, confession before communion and the Eucharistic fast, care must be taken to avoid scandal and suspicion among Eastern Christians through Catholics not following the Eastern usage. A Catholic who legitimately wishes to communicate with Eastern Christians must respect the Eastern discipline as much as possible and refrain from communicating if that Church restricts sacramental communion to its own members to the exclusion of others.

 

125. Catholic ministers may lawfully administer the sacraments of penance, Eucharist and the anointing of the sick to members of the Eastern Churches, who ask for these sacraments of their own free will and are properly disposed.

 

In these particular cases also, due consideration should be given to the discipline of the Eastern Churches for their own faithful and any suggestion of proselytism should be avoided.129

 

126. Catholics may read lessons at a sacramental liturgical celebration in the Eastern Churches if they are invited to do so. An Eastern Christian may be invited to read the lessons at similar services in Catholic churches.

 

127. A Catholic minister may be present and take part in the celebration of a marriage being properly celebrated between Eastern Christians or between a Catholic and an Eastern Christian in the Eastern church, if invited to do so by the Eastern Church authority and if it is in accord with the norms given below concerning mixed marriages, where they apply.

 

128. A member of an Eastern Church may act as bridesmaid or best man at a wedding in a Catholic church; a Catholic also may be bridesmaid or best man at a marriage properly celebrated in an Eastern church. In all cases this practice must conform to the general discipline of both Churches regarding the requirements for participating in such marriages.

 

http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/chrstuni/general-docs/rc_pc_chrstuni_doc_19930325_directory_en.html

[RevNeal]

Related to this subject, I did note that elsewhere on this board, the very knowledgable RevNeal did write that "Admission to the Eucharist [offered by Roman priests] is barred for Eastern Orthodox Christians..." This can be confusing, and many Roman priests are not aware of the situation, but Pope John Paull II, speaking through the Pontificial Council for Promoting Christian Unity, made clear that there is no such barrier between the Eastern and Western churches.

 

Thank you for the correction on this issue. This can be confusing given, especially, the varying attitudes and practices among some of the more elderly Pre-Vatican 2 trained priests. On one cruise I had an Eastern Orthodox couple come to my service while aboard ship because they feared they would not be welcome at the Catholic service. I, of course, communed them, only discovering afterward their concern. They understood that emergencies and unusual circumstances would allow for them to partake at a RC Mass, they didn't consider a cruise to fall into that category. Being who and what I am, I of course communed them ... but, then, I've also communed many RCs who have gotten up too late to attend the Catholic Mass and who come in to partake during the Protestant service.

 

As I often say "It's not my table ... it's Jesus' table."

[WillK]

Revneal- Are there ever any C of E clergy serving on HAL ships?

 

Thanks-Will

[ESLO]

How does one find out about the Mass being said for crew members?

 

Dear Frogso,

 

In response to you question about Crew Services by the Catholic Clergy on board, as Kyros mentioned you may want to ask a member of the crew that maybe Catholic but especially helpful would be the Front Desk Staff.

 

As a Lay Minister/MOHC attending services on ships in the past, I would not think or have not seen anyone prevented from attending Crew's Catholic Services. The ones that I have experienced on HAL ships have been held in the Conference Rooms like the Half Moon Room to name one, that was not currently programmed for Passenger use for the hour or so. I would think the Staff and especially the Clergy would welcome your attendance to fulfill your obligation at the celebration of Mass.

 

Yes, other ships like the Queen Elizabeth 2 does have Passenger Catholic Masses in their Theater on a Passenger Deck, but Crew Services are out of bounds in the Crew Rec Room as we have heard.

 

I would think any services of religious nature within the bounds of Passenger Decks, you would be welcomed if you approached the Celebrating Clergy.

 

Hope this if of any assistance to you......

[ESLO]

Is it possible there would be a midnight mass on Christmas eve??

 

Hello Cdkempton,

 

Your question is a special one I have the pleasure to answer.

 

My wife and I have had the pleasure of attending Easter Season Catholic Mass while at Sea. Twice on the QE2 and once on the Rotterdam VI.

 

I can not description the feel of attending a Service during that time of year on a Passenger Cruiseship.

 

We happen to be a Caribbean cruises at those times of Palm Sunday thru Easter Sunday. I can not tell you the lengths the Ship, Crew and Clergy on board went to make it so warm, inviting and similar or close to those you would experience (smaller of course) at your home parish.

 

On Palm Sunday, they brought on Palms from the local island and distributed blessed later at the service. Also, the services for Holy Thursday and Good Friday were as complete as they could have been during the afternoon between the mealtimes. And, the Easter Vigil was something not to have been missed. Fr. Brendan who cruised the entire trip even brought a small version of the Paschal Candle for the ceremony.

 

If you would like to cruise during Christmas and have the opportunity of attending Christmas Eve or Christmas Day Mass, it would truly add to your memories of that trip.

 

P.S...

I have also heard that the ship's really deck out the interiors to fit the Holiday feel.

[RevNeal]

Revneal- Are there ever any C of E clergy serving on HAL ships?

 

Church of England Clergy? I cannot say for sure, though some might be serving on European Cruises. There are some Episcopalian clergy from here in the United States who serve as Protestant Chaplains on HAL ships, along with Methodists, Presbyterians, and many other denominations.

[RevNeal]

Sorry ... that got sent before I was ready.

 

All Protestant services are supposed to be nondenominational in nature, meaning that no single church or denominational tradition predominates. When I preach I stay away from controversial and denominational or doctrinal issues, the hymns we sing are mostly known by all Christians, and the eucharistic liturgy I use is a simplified form that is not dissimilar to those of the Methodist, Episcopal, Lutheran, and Reformed Church traditions.

[fireflygal]

As a practicing Catholic, I am grateful for HAL having priests on board to celebrate the Mass. My DH and I were booked on RCI Brillance of the Seas for April, 2007 until we discovered they do not have a priest on board for Sunday Masses.

 

Candy posted Daily schedule from a May 2005 cruise. It details that Mass on Saturday is at 5:00 pm. Sunday it is listed at 5:00pm and at 8:00 am daily.

Hope it stays the same for my November 12, 2005 cruise.

 

Happy cruising!

[WillK]

Revneal- Yes, I did mean Church of England or Anglican. As you describe it, I think I will try one of the nondenominational services.

Thanks-Will

[cdkempton]

ESLO: Thank you very much for your response. I'm glad you and your spouse had such a wonderful experience. :)