Are Catholics obligated to take part in parish fellowship celebrations?

[catherine126]

Hello,

I understand that we Catholics are obligated to attend Sunday Mass and participate in the Church sacramentally.

To what extent are we Catholics obligated to participate in additional aspects of parish life?

For instance, my parish is having a bratwurst grill-out after Mass today to celebrate our merging with two other local parishes. If we are called to be truly sisters and brothers in Christ, it seems fitting that we would celebrate together, especially after receiving the Blessed Sacrament. In this light, is skipping this celebration a sin of omission? I am shy, living in a foreign country, and am moving in three weeks, so my identification with this parish is unfortunately weak at best.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Fr.Vincent_Serpa]

Hi,

One is not obliged under pain of sin to attend such events. It could be a good way to meet fellow parishioners and feel more comfortable with the parish, but you are free to do otherwise.

Fr. Vincent Serpa, O.P.