Does caring for baby excuse the Sunday obligation?

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3Bambinos

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I have a 12 mth old child who is getting molars and is very fussy. He also has a very nasty runny nose. When he’s like this, he only wants Mama (me). Do I take him to Mass? I have before when he’s like this, and I invariably spend the entire time in the back of church walking, soothing, etc, and hear maybe 1/3 of the Mass itself. But at least I get to receive Jesus. On the other hand, I feel horrible for the disruption he causes others (he is a loud one!), and the fact that he could infect other kids with his cold.

My question: how “ill” does one or one’s child have to be in order to be dispensed from the Sunday obligation? I am very scrupulous and usually think, if you’re not basically near death, you need to go.

Can you clarify this for me, please? It would put my conscience at ease. Thank you!
 
Mama,

These links should help you to feel better about missing Mass when you or your dependant children are feeling unwell or are contagious. I’ve also included information on scrupulosity in case you or another person reading might benefit from it. If you have any further questions or concerns that are not answered by these links, please contact Catholic Answers directly.
Recommended Reading:
Children at mass
Can I skip Sunday Mass if I have a cold?
Is missing Sunday Mass considered a mortal sin?

Any help with scruples?
Am I being scrupulous?
Is the book “Understanding Scrupulosity” OK?
How do I conquer scrupulosity?
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