[SoothingDave]

In the Episcopal Church, and I imagine in the Catholic Church as well, the mass is performed whether there are parishioners there or not. I know an Episcopal priest who often sleeps at the Church when threatening weather is called for, in case he's not able to get there on Sunday morning. And if no one shows up, mass goes on as scheduled anyway.

Yep. I believe there has to be at least one other person present, besides the priest, because the Mass is a public, not a private event. If one believes that the Eucharist brings blessings and grace into the world, and it is the reason God instituted the Church why would any day go by without it? The Mass has greater benefits for the world than just for those physically present.

SD

[A2J]

Yep. I believe there has to be at least one other person present, besides the priest, because the Mass is a public, not a private event.

In addition, that extra "person" can be valuable as a deterent to crime by the priest.