Feel bad about not attending mass

[angell1]

haven’t been to mass since march when this whole covid thing began, family is very germophobic, excessively afraid of the virus, they sitll don’t want to go, even though mass has been happening since may, albeit with a 50 person capacity, so we have to rotate and take turns, which i havne’ tbeen allowed to go either, not allowed to do anything out of the house besides go to work and walk the dog. ordinarily if no one wanted to come, i would just transit their on my own, but now that would cause an enormous amount of strife. family interprets this as me putting them at risk and being selfish. so we have just been having family bible reading every week and i watch mass online by myself

we are still dispensed in the archdiocese and probably will be for a long while yet at the rate this is going, would it be bad if i just waited for the obligation to be reinstated before trying to fight the issue? at this point, if i understand correctly, since we are dispensed, it’s not a sin if we choose not to go. it is getting increasingly harder spiritually to be away from sacraments that long but i am trying my best to pray and read scripture and attend online events. i just feel bad about not worshipping god in the proper way, if you know what i mean

 

[godisgood77]

No need to feel bad. COVID is a very valid reason for missing mass and the Bishops have granted a dispensation

 

[puer.dei]

if i understand correctly, since we are dispensed, it’s not a sin if we choose not to go.

You do understand correctly. Offer it up, and think of how much you’ll appreciate Mass when you’re able to return!

 

[AHelpingHand]

Pray for your family that germophobia does not plague them. COVID is something definitely needed to be cautious of, but a whole phobia of germs and viruses in general is elevating the situation to an unhealthy degree. Stay at home as long as is needed. Pray, hope, and do not worry.

 

[ThomasMT]

it’s not a sin if we choose not to go.

Nor is it a sin if you choose to go.

family is very germophobic, excessively afraid of the virus, they sitll don’t want to go, even though mass has been happening

family interprets this as me putting them at risk and being selfish.

Are you the husband and dad? If so, the burden of leadership falls upon you. You are their protector, including from spiritual bankruptcy. You are their model and example. If the situation defies your better judgment, then it is upon you to take charge. This “pandemic” and circumstances surrounding it may drag on indefinitely. At some point we have to accept and manage our risks, like we do with everything else. We place our trust in the Lord and put one foot in front of the other. . . .

 

[Dlee]

I understand and share your feeling - I realize how much I miss Mass and the Eucharist. I did go tonight, I think the 3rd time I’ve been since partial reopening. Everyone wore masks and social distanced, all the precautions possible were taken. It was a particularly difficult week for me and I marveled at how much comfort there was in the words of the music, the homily, and of course the Eucharist. I’m praying that you will be able to return to Mass sooner than later.

 

[Lucy_1]

Is it possible that your family might agree to a weekday Mass? Attendance might be sparse. Do you have elderly or immunocompromised family members? Why isn’t your family watching mass with you?

 

[angell1]

no, i am neither.

 

[angell1]

no, they would not agree to that, i can’t anyways, i have to work at those times, my parents are in their early to mid 60s so they feel like they are in the vulnerable population

 

[Lucy_1]

Oh, yes. They are more vulnerable. I’m sorry you’re unable to receive communion. That’s difficult. I will pray for you.