Am I able to miss Mass with back pain?

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Ken0703

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Hello! So I planned on going to Mass this weekend, as usual, but this past week I’ve been battling severe back pain. I have restricted breathing and I’m in so much pain that I could cry. The only thing keeping me going is a heating pad and the pillow under my back as I’m lying in bed! (I have an appointment with a chiropractor on Wednesday and I can’t wait!) I’m 16 years old and I was going to drive myself to Mass this evening, but even driving hurts. I have no desire to miss Mass because I just went to Confession on Thursday, so I do not want to sin again… Especially with a mortal sin! Would it be considered a mortal sin if I do not attend Mass this Sunday? If I do not attend, what should I do from home to make up for missing? I feel terrible for even asking about this because I know there are people going through much worse things. I have full intention of going and strengthening my relationship with God, and I dread missing Mass.
 
You’re fine I’m sure, when you’re able go to confession.

I hope you’re condition improves very soon 🙏
 
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Severe back pain can be quite debilitating and disabling. If you aren’t able to attend for this serious reason, you don’t have to.

At only 16, that’s something you don’t want to ignore, you really need to take care of yourself and know that people will be praying for you.
 
You are the only one who can decide if you are not going for good reason. Hearing what you said, I would say there is no sin in staying in bed and caring for yourself. You could watch or listen to the Mass or read Scripture. It isn’t to ‘make up’ for missing Mass, but as a way to show your love for God.
 
Has no one explained to you (your parents or in religous education) the nature of the obligation and the reasons we may be excused from the obligation?

I suggest you discuss this with your parents.

Illness excuses us from the mass obligation.
 
Is it possible to discuss this with your parish priest? That’s the course of action I would take.
 
Illness is an acceptable reason to miss Mass. My personal standard is to ask if this was a weekday, would I go to work? If a friend invited me out to brunch, would I go? If I would be too sick for work or brunch, then I’m too sick for Mass.
 
At age 16 you shouldn’t have such back pain. Go beyond a chiropractor and see a physician.

The doctor can order an MRI and get you into physical therapy.
 
Side story. My wife fell two weeks ago. Hit the corner of a step dead center in her spine. Ambulance ride, ER, the whole thing. Today she was scheduled to be a Eucharistic Minister and she did it. By the end of Mass she was crying the pain was so bad.

Don’t worry about missing if you are physically unable, and get to a doctor, pronto.
 
I would say if you can’t drive safely you shouldn’t go. If this pain would keep you from going to school that also indicates you should stay home. If you could kind of saunter in to Mass and sit on a pillow and not make too many cries of pain maybe you could go but even then it would be borderline, and not a mortal sin, if your preference would be to attend Mass.

When I am too sick to attend Mass I watch a Mass on line. Also I agree you should get to a doctor pronto.
 
Lee1 said:
You’re fine I’m sure, when you’re able go to confession.

I hope you’re condition improves very soon 🙏
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If she is too ill to go, there is no obligation and no sin.

So no need to go to confession.
 
Ken0703 said:
Hello! So I planned on going to Mass this weekend, as usual, but this past week I’ve been battling severe back pain. I have restricted breathing and I’m in so much pain that I could cry. The only thing keeping me going is a heating pad and the pillow under my back as I’m lying in bed! (I have an appointment with a chiropractor on Wednesday and I can’t wait!) I’m 16 years old and I was going to drive myself to Mass this evening, but even driving hurts. I have no desire to miss Mass because I just went to Confession on Thursday, so I do not want to sin again… Especially with a mortal sin! Would it be considered a mortal sin if I do not attend Mass this Sunday? If I do not attend, what should I do from home to make up for missing? I feel terrible for even asking about this because I know there are people going through much worse things. I have full intention of going and strengthening my relationship with God, and I dread missing Mass.
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CCC 2181 The Sunday Eucharist is the foundation and confirmation of all Christian practice. For this reason the faithful are obliged to participate in the Eucharist on days of obligation, unless excused for a serious reason (for example, illness, the care of infants) or dispensed by their own pastor. Those who deliberately fail in this obligation commit a grave sin.
 
I would stay home and rest. Back pain at your age could be serious, so you should see a doctor soon. I understand this. I’ve suffered from lower back pain for years and I’m only 22. Found out it was congenital spinal stenosis.
 
This is a valid reason to miss mass, so not a mortal or venial sin. I have myself missed mass for the same reason. Poor you, I hope you get the back pain sorted out soon. I am too late in posting this, but if you have to miss mass due to illness in future and you feel well enough too, you can read the mass readings in a missal and/or pray the prayer for spiritual communion which might be very comforting for you. Also if you have access to the internet you may well find that you can find mass online to watch. God bless you and hope you feel better soon.
 
paperwight said:
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Lee1:
You’re fine I’m sure, when you’re able go to confession.

I hope you’re condition improves very soon 🙏
Click to expand...
If she is too ill to go, there is no obligation and no sin.

So no need to go to confession.
Click to expand...
That’s what I thought, too, but then read and re-read @Ken0703 's post. He went to Confession and is concerned about sinning before he can go to Mass again. I don’t think @Lee1 is telling Ken0703 to confess for missing Mass, but to go to confession in a more general sense as soon as he is able.
 
TheLittleLady said:
There is no sin at all.

Please, see a physician!
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The OP does have a doctor’s appointment on Wednesday. I definitely agree that especially someone so young should be addressing the issue if they are suffering so much.
 
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