Elderly Mass Obligation

[Bob_Drees]

I have been told that a person over 70-75 does not have an obligation to go to Mass even though they physically can get to the church. Is there any rule about this and is it true? Thanks

 

[Hellisreal]

Never heard that one. Once you have the card membership you go till you meet the Lord. And if you are able to go as you state in this post you better go.

 

[Biblioassistant]

My mother is 85 and can not get around without difficulty. She can’t go to Mass anymore (she watches on EWTN). My father is 86 and gets around just fine. He wouldn’t miss it.

 

[ltbpoe43]

Good grief - don’t tell my FIL and MIL - they go every day and both are over 70!! God Bless them both.

Generally, the obligation is there for all unless they are sick, infirm, immobile, or taking care of the sick or infirm, or inclement weather does not permit safe travel. Other than that, get thee to the church on time.

Seems like the closer you are to meeting our Lord, the more often you’d like to meet him at the eucharistic table. It would be like running a life long marathon and then stopping just before the fantastic and glorious finish. God bless them all and help them if you can.

 

[lands]

Seems like the closer you are to meeting our Lord, the more often you’d like to meet him at the eucharistic table. It would be like running a life long marathon and then stopping just before the fantastic and glorious finish.

ltbpoe43 I like how you phrased that.

 

[m134e5]

I have been told that a person over 70-75 does not have an obligation to go to Mass even though they physically can get to the church. Is there any rule about this and is it true? Thanks

After a certain age (I think it’s 60), people are not required to fast and abstain from meat on the appointed days, so you may be confused with that. There is no age when people no longer have to go to Mass, but of course if they are sick or too fragile to go out, then they may have no choice. Priests usually come to see them regularly, and someone usually brings the Eucharist to them also.

 

[kujayhawk]

m134e5 stated:

After a certain age (I think it’s 60), people are not required to fast and abstain from meat on the appointed days,

Sorry, not correct. People who are in their 60th year and/or above ARE required to abstain from meat on the appointed days. The requirement to fast no longer applies.

 

[icequeen]

My grandparents are both 90 and can’t get to Mass anymore. It absolutely kills my Grandma that she can’t go to Mass. They do have Communion brought to them, but it is not the same.

Along those same lines, one of our priests said that someone told his sister that because she was over 65 she did not have to go to Confession anymore. He told her that was a load of garbage.