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flamez3
Guest
Hi, i dislocated my knee cap and have to wear a splint and use crutches; i can walk but it is extremely hard and sitting down is a serious hassle aswell. Would i still have to go to church?
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Loren_1of6
Guest
What else are you going to do on Sunday? If you are healthy or strong enough to leave the house for other reasons, yes, you should also go to Mass. If you are basically housebound, probably not. But you should still mention it to your priest (in confession) and he can give you his opinion.
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Newbie2
Guest
Your wording sounds like you feel that going to church, at least during the course of your medical treatment, is an unwelcome burden.
Many have died excruciating deaths as martyrs for their faith…and you’re asking about an inconvenience?
Perhaps I misread your tone, if so, forgive me. If it’s painful for you to sit or stand or have your leg down or if it is medically unwise for a time…yep, it’s OK not to go…the Almighty understands. But if it’s a matter of inconvenience, a “hassle”, I think it’s a good idea to think (or rethink) about the reasons you might want to go to mass in the first place. Then you’ll have your answer.
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flamez3
Guest
It’s not a hassle for me to go to church, i just thought it would be hard for me to go to church. Yes; it does hurt to walk and sit down.Your wording sounds like you feel that going to church, at least during the course of your medical treatment, is an unwelcome burden.
Many have died excruciating deaths as martyrs for their faith…and you’re asking about an inconvenience?
Perhaps I misread your tone, if so, forgive me. If it’s painful for you to sit or stand or have your leg down or if it is medically unwise for a time…yep, it’s OK not to go…the Almighty understands. But if it’s a matter of inconvenience, a “hassle”, I think it’s a good idea to think (or rethink) about the reasons you might want to go to mass in the first place. Then you’ll have your answer.
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grasscutter
Guest
I’d go ahead and go. Maybe you can sit in back next to the aisle. Or maybe they have handicapped seating? And you are not required to kneel if physically unable.
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JRKH
Guest
I see older people at Church who can barely stand or kneel. Others struggle to genuflect. It is obvious that they are in pain and perhaps even struggling for each breath…Yet they are there, every Sunday.
They are a great inspiration to me. I hope they are to you also and that you will see your way clear to attend Church giving Praise to God for your burden and your blessings. You can be an inspiration to others.
One other thing. If getting up and down is a struggle, don’t be too embarrassed to sit in the first pew and have communion brought to you.
Peace
James
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catholictiger
Guest
my best advice is find the number or email address of your parish priest or a priest that you trust a lot. And explain to him your situation and ask him for advice what should I do, should I not go to mass because It is not medically possible, or should I sit in a specific place so I can attend mass and not be in pain all mass.
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Bezant
Guest
Flame,
Rest your body. I hope you recover soon. Perhaps you can ask your priest or Eucharistic minister to bring Communion for you?
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Allegra
Guest
Listen to Mass on the radio or TV. Call the parish and ask if they could bring communion to you. Most parishes do this, I think.
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SVP
Guest
Two years ago I dislocated my kneecap in a work related incident, so I really do know how painful it is. I was injured on a Tuesday, took the rest of the week off from work, went to church that Sunday and was back to work the following Monday. For me, not going to church, when I knew I would be at work that following Monday, was not an option. If I could make it to work, I could make the effort to be at church. Only you know what your stamina and tolerance are regarding going to church.
The sooner you get back to walking, painful though it may be, the faster the recovery.
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surritter
Guest
Sure, suffering is always a noble gesture, but it is different from an obligation. The pertinent canons are #1247 (which mentions the Sunday obligation) and 1248 (which mentions “grave cause” as a reason for not having an obligation).
A quick search on EWTN’s website gives this explanation:
“Reasons such as the necessity to work to support one’s family, child care, personal sickness or the care of the sick, necessary travel etc. would excuse a person on a particular occasions.”
I should think that we all agree that significant pain, crutches, and difficulty in sitting qualify as “personal sickness”!
A quick search on EWTN’s website gives this explanation:
“Reasons such as the necessity to work to support one’s family, child care, personal sickness or the care of the sick, necessary travel etc. would excuse a person on a particular occasions.”
I should think that we all agree that significant pain, crutches, and difficulty in sitting qualify as “personal sickness”!
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SVP
Guest
From my experience, that never happened.
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JRKH
Guest
surritter,
You bring out a VERY good point and one that bears acknowledging for it speaks to the very heart of the matter.
As you say, the “obligation” (under canon law) can be circumvented fairly easily.
However, the “obligation” that stems from our Love and desire is another matter.
Peace
James
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Newbie2
Guest
If that’s the case, I second Bezant’s response:
True, but…
…best not to give medical advice here. In general, doctors like a quick return to normal function, but it’s best for flame to take his own doctor’s advice.
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SVP
Guest
I wasn’t implying giving medical advice. Sorry it seemed so. :bowdown:If that’s the case, I second Bezant’s response:
True, but…
…best not to give medical advice here. In general, doctors like a quick return to normal function, but it’s best for flame to take his own doctor’s advice.
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