Colicky baby and Mass attendance

[DiesIrae]

I have a 10 week old baby who has terrible colic. My husband is part of a ministry team in a protestant Church, meaning I take my daughter to Mass alone. She was baptised aged two and a half weeks and I really hope and pray that she will grow up strong in the faith, however I’ve had a couple of problems taking/not taking her to Mass.

Sometimes when my husband is off work I will go to weekday Mass alone. One older long-standing parishioner has approached me twice and demanded to know where my daughter is on these occasions.

At Sunday Mass she had a rather bad episode of colic, so I took her outside of the Church to calm and soothe her. I was followed by an elderly passkeeper who told me off (with my screaming colicky baby in toe) for ‘Letting the damp into the church’ by opening the door. I was so upset by the way I was spoken to that I left (bad decision maybe).

After all the above I’m really at a loss as to what to do. Before I had my baby I went to Mass nearly every day and I really miss not going, but if I go alone I’m made to feel like I should be with my baby and not leaving her with her dad so I can ‘flit off to Mass’ but if I take her I risk a colic episode and the upset of being given filthy looks if I stay inside with her or being told off for taking her out and opening the door. I’m at a total loss as to what to do.

Is it a sin to be missing Mass in this case? Am I failing to fulfil the vows I took at her baptism if I leave her with dad until the colic clears up or should I stay home with her? It might sound like a small issue but I’ve just been staying home and missing Mass is weighing on me.

 

[puzzleannie]

a child has no Mass obligation until the reach the age of reason, about 7, when they commonly begin preparation for first communion

you have no obligation to bring your infant with you and it would be an act of charity first for her welfare, and also for fellow parishioners to leave her home if there is someone to care for her. If your husband is tied up at his own church, and there is no one to care for you baby when she is sick, you may stay home to care for you, and you have no obligation.

there is no obligation in any case regarding daily Mass

I prefer to think that the parishioner who asked where your daughter was is trying to indicate she welcomes you both, even when the baby is fussy, but all the parishioners who spoke harshly to you failed their own Christian obligations, but we don’t go to Mass for their pleasure, but for Christ’s commandment.

 

[ohioszo]

Your post gave me pause … I don’t think people often bring infants to Mass! Except for Baptism! Am I wrong? I must be!

I think that the elderly woman was thinking that the damp air would not be good for your baby, but, it came out wrong? I know that you will be friends someday, I hope.

“Where is your daughter,” is because the parishioner was aware of your quandary and sympathizes, don’t you think? Great that someone feels for you.

We have rocking chairs, for mothers, at our Parish. Just be careful, about missing Mass. It isn’t the best idea, and, I wish that your husband could make a concession for you! Please Lord, guide his heart! That baby and God, your husband and you. What a combination!

 

[JerrySeibert]

[we don’t go to Mass for their pleasure, but for Christ’s commandment.
[/QUOTE]

True, so true, pray for those who you feel persecuted you. Could it all be a mis understanding? Of course, I’ll pray that that your baby get’s better and that your husband can help you attend mass more. God Bless,