Guilt for not attending Mass

[pabloSD]

Today I didn’t go to Mass. We were going to go to the 7 p.m. service, but my wife was having crams, and I just felt that I didn’t want to go by myself. But now I’m feeling the same feeling I used to feel as a kid when I didn’t go to Mass. Mortal sin… Is that what others call “Catholic guilt”?

I feel that Protestants have it so easy: If they don’t go to church on Sundays, they just pray for forgiveness, and that’s it…

Pablo

 

[followingtheway]

Confess it! I’m taking confirmation class and my teacher (which just so happens to be a deacon) said it’s great way to any guilt off your chest! He was right!

 

[FooFee]

Yes, simply confess it and all is good. It’s that simple. Our protestant friends do not have that sacrament.
You should be thankful. Peace be with you.

 

[1ke]

Today I didn’t go to Mass. We were going to go to the 7 p.m. service, but my wife was having crams, and I just felt that I didn’t want to go by myself. But now I’m feeling the same feeling I used to feel as a kid when I didn’t go to Mass. Mortal sin… Is that what others call “Catholic guilt”?

Good, your conscience is working.

“I don’t want to go by myself” is not a reason to miss mass. Go to confession.

I feel that Protestants have it so easy: If they don’t go to church on Sundays, they just pray for forgiveness, and that’s it…

Pablo

YOU have it easy, because Christ gave you the sacramental grace of the confessional. Make use of it.

 

[Mrs_Sally]

Good, your conscience is working.

“I don’t want to go by myself” is not a reason to miss mass. Go to confession.

YOU have it easy, because Christ gave you the sacramental grace of the confessional. Make use of it.

Excellent answer. Your wife was ill, but you were not. A grown women with bad cramps *may *be excused for not leaving the house (that’s for her to work out), but she didn’t need you to take care of her, so you do not have the excuse of caring for a sick family member.

Go to confession and then follow your priest’s advice if this happens again.

Also, OT: get a copy of *Fertility, Cycles, and Nutrition *for your wife.

 

[puzzleannie]

Today I didn’t go to Mass. We were going to go to the 7 p.m. service, but my wife was having crams, and I just felt that I didn’t want to go by myself.

if you just didn’t want to go, yes it is a sin if you intentionally chose to miss Mass, knowing that it is sinful to do so.
If you decided to keep your wife company because she was ill, then no there is no sin involved.
but there is no need ever to bring up the question of “was this a sin here” because guess what we are not priests in confession, so that is where you ask the question

 

[Matrix_Refugee]

if you just didn’t want to go, yes it is a sin if you intentionally chose to miss Mass, knowing that it is sinful to do so.
If you decided to keep your wife company because she was ill, then no there is no sin involved.
but there is no need ever to bring up the question of “was this a sin here” because guess what we are not priests in confession, so that is where you ask the question

Bolding mine: I think this would count as tending to a sick loved one, and speaking as a gal who’s had cramps so bad, she’s had to step out of Mass to get some fresh air, it sure counts as being sick!

 

[YoungTradCath]

This is God’s little gift to you, your Catholic-formed conscience, working. Take it as a blessing. Only you know if your missing mass was mortally sinful. If it was, then you must confess it as soon as you can, the same with any other mortal sins you have committed.

 

[Cavaille-Coll]

Guilt is not a bad thing. For people with a well-formed conscience, it is simply an indicator that there is a problem elsewhere. It is like the little red light on your dashboard that tells you that your oil pressure is too low. It isn’t the problem itself - it’s only an indicator light - but it makes you aware of a serious problem that could ruin your engine if you don’t stop immediately and have the car repaired. Fix the problem and the light goes out. Unfortunately, many people today prefer to cover their “guilt light” with a piece of black tape so they aren’t reminded of those things that could harm their souls. Your “light” obviously works well, so thank God for it and go to confession.

Remember this about Protestants: they love our Lord deeply, but they lack the sacraments of Penance and the Holy Eucharist.

 

[Splagchnizomai]

I feel that Protestants have it so easy: If they don’t go to church on Sundays, they just pray for forgiveness, and that’s it…

You could say the same thing about secularists: if they don’t go to church on Sundays, they don’t even have to pray for forgiveness and that’s it!

Following God’s will is actually easier for us than going against it, though on the surface of things it doesn’t appear so. Sin clouds our discernment.