California Dispensed from Mass - Still Mortal Sin to Miss?

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We live in a small rural county that has had ZERO deaths from Covid-19. A small number of cases. But because we are in California and most of the state is on a second full lockdown, we have never fully reopened. The church was closed for 3 months and then when it reopened it came with all the restrictions that you’d expect from a big city, high Covid rate parish. The bishop has extended the dispensation for all parishioners. From what I see of the filmed Masses (3 of the 4 are recorded), we appear to have about a 50% reduction in attendees in each Mass.

There is masking, spacing, no singing, talking, praying out loud, the singer has moved to the back of the church, appointments for Mass, contact tracing and disinfectant instead of Holy Water. Our priest stated he would not be talking to parishioners before or after Mass. Although, frankly, the core group of parishioners (council members etc) have been photographed gathered for other things (all masked of course) and I’m guessing they spoke to each other.

We have not been back to Mass since all this was implemented. We also haven’t been to grocery stores, shopping malls, restaurants or any other places where all the restrictions are in place.

Are we now in mortal sin because we do not want to participate in the restricted version of the Mass? Even though the Bishop has given a blanket dispensation too all parishioners.
 
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If you’re dispensed, you’re dispensed. You don’t have to go.

If you feel guilty not going to Mass, examine why. Is it because you think you should, and can, go? Is it because you want to go but it’s not prudent for your situation?
 
BlueMantle said:
The bishop has extended the dispensation for all parishioners.

Are we now in mortal sin because we do not want to participate in the restricted version of the Mass? Even though the Bishop has given a blanket dispensation too all parishioners.
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You have stated the correct answer above…twice! You can trust your bishop.
 
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BlueMantle said:
Are we now in mortal sin because we do not want to participate in the restricted version of the Mass? Even though the Bishop has given a blanket dispensation too all parishioners.
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You’re dispensed. Period, the end. That said, I think it’s worth asking why you’re uneasy about it.
 
BlueMantle said:
Are we now in mortal sin because we do not want to participate in the restricted version of the Mass? Even though the Bishop has given a blanket dispensation too all parishioners.
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No, you are not in mortal sin.

BTW - California has been very strict regarding the celebration of religious services.

I recommend watching the “Catholic Talk Show” on YouTube with the episode with the Archbishop of San Francisco.


I think it will make you feel better

God Bless
 
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BlueMantle said:
Are we now in mortal sin because we do not want to participate in the restricted version of the Mass? Even though the Bishop has given a blanket dispensation too all parishioners.
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That’s an interesting question. It seems to expose some of the shortcomings about the way “grave matter” is presented in basic Catholic teaching.

I would say that if you aren’t wanting to go because of the changes that have been made due to the virus then that doesn’t seem to met the standards for mortal sin. On the other hand, if the changes persist well into the future, and you still cannot accept the changes then I think one is getting closer to habit or maybe even pride. This of course is assuming that the threat of the virus itself doesn’t have any bearing on whether or not you’re attending Mass.
 
BlueMantle said:
Are we now in mortal sin because we do not want to participate in the restricted version of the Mass? Even though the Bishop has given a blanket dispensation too all parishioners.
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You’re dispensed from Mass, therefore you have no Sunday obligation and it is not sinful in any way to stay home.
 
BlueMantle said:
disinfectant instead of Holy Water
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That’s not precisely true. We haven’t replaced holy water with disinfectant.

Yes, the holy water stoups have been removed.
Yes, disinfectant is generally made available.

The two aren’t directly related to each other in any way, though, other than being two distinct actions in reaction to the pandemic.
BlueMantle said:
Are we now in mortal sin because we do not want to participate in the restricted version of the Mass? Even though the Bishop has given a blanket dispensation too all parishioners.
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No, you’re not. The dispensation holds.
 
A dispensation is exactly that. You are in no way violating the authority of the Church if you don’t go. The Bishop has removed that obligation, for the time being. He is empowered by Christ to issue dispensations under certain circumstances. Just as a priest is empowered by Christ to absolve penitents of their sins. If you are missing the sacraments, which I suspect is why this bothers you, you can watch the Mass on EWTN and make a spiritual communion.
 
From Merriam Webster’s:

Definition of dispensation​

1a : a general state or ordering of things specifically : a system of revealed (see reveal entry 1 sense 1) commands and promises regulating human affairs a privilege maintained under the new dispensation

b : a particular arrangement or provision especially of providence or nature involving special dispensation by the Church

2a : an exemption from a law or from an impediment, vow, or oath may be granted a dispensation from the rule

b : a formal authorization requested a dispensation to form another lodge

3a : the act of dispensing the dispensation of medication

b : something dispensed or distributed … one of the most remarkable cultural dispensations in the country’s history, the paperback book.— T. E. Cooney
 
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