Attendance question

[katy]

OK, I took some things over to church Saturday night, got there in time to attend Mass from the offertory, went to Mass with son and DIL on Sunday, but grandson wanted me to stay with him in kdg. sunday school class (first day). I planned to go to a Sunday evening mass, but forgot to check the times until it was too late to get there. I’m not wanting to be scrupulous here, but until recently was very lax about going to Mass. Am I kidding myself to think that I didn’t do anything wrong here?

 

[DaughterSorrow]

OK, I took some things over to church Saturday night, got there in time to attend Mass from the offertory, went to Mass with son and DIL on Sunday, but grandson wanted me to stay with him in kdg. sunday school class (first day). I planned to go to a Sunday evening mass, but forgot to check the times until it was too late to get there. I’m not wanting to be scrupulous here, but until recently was very lax about going to Mass. Am I kidding myself to think that I didn’t do anything wrong here?

My gut said, “You missed the entire Liturgy of the Word, which includes the Penitential rite, which is necessary to purify you to receive communion.” I am not sure of the rule, but I would think you need to try to attend the entire mass for the obligation to be fulfilled. I would also think exceptions exist - late due to traffic, Maybe this link will help:

americancatholic.org/Messenger/Feb1998
/Wiseman.asp

Also from the CCC:

2178 This practice of the Christian assembly dates from the beginnings of the apostolic age.112 The Letter to the Hebrews reminds the faithful "not to neglect to meet together, as is the habit of some, but to encourage one another."113

Tradition preserves the memory of an ever-timely exhortation: Come to Church early, approach the Lord, and confess your sins, repent in prayer…. Be present at the sacred and divine liturgy, conclude its prayer and do not leave before the dismissal… We have often said: "This day is given to you for prayer and rest. This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it."114

Peace,
DS