Dilemma

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john_794

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I am in a bit of a dilemma…

My parish is currently under contruction, so only one Mass per day is offered. The problem with this is that I go to school and so cannot make an 8:00 AM Mass and then get to class on time. With tomorrow being the feast of the Immaculate Conception, I am not able to a make it to Mass. I am am concernded this is a grave sin. My question: is this a sin? Thanks so much in advance.
 
If it is truly the only church in the area you can go to, than no it is not a grave sin. However, I’m sure there are other churchs within driving distance - or bike distance. Is there no Catholic Cmapus center at your school? Do you live in the country?
 
Yes, missing Mass on a holy day of obligation is objectively sinful, just like missing Sunday Mass. Your culpability would depend in part on the degree to which you consented to it - check out the paragraphs on mortal sin in the Catechism.

When I’m in this kind of situation I ask myself: Have I told my instructor (boss, judge, parole officer, whatever) about the obligation, and asked to come late? Can I make up the work? Is there no other parish in the area with Mass at a time I can make?
 
Here’s what the CCC says about it, as far as what can excuse you from a day of obligation.

2183 "If because of lack of a sacred minister or for other grave cause participation in the celebration of the Eucharist is impossible, it is specially recommended that the faithful take part in the Liturgy of the Word if it is celebrated in the parish church or in another sacred place according to the prescriptions of the diocesan bishop, or engage in prayer for an appropriate amount of time personally or in a family or, as occasion offers, in groups of families."120

With that in mind, remember it must be a grave cause! With so many churches, you should be able to find one. If not, then NO it would not be a grave sin.
 
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