Having the flu and missing Mass...Mortal sin?

[TBolt1000T]

If someone has the flu or a really bad cold, and that person decides to not go to Mass because of it, have they still committed a mortal sin? The reason I’m asking, is because I’ve come down with something, and I don’t want to give it to anyone else. I went on ahead and went to Mass yesterday, but I feel worse today, and I don’t know how I’ll feel by Immaculate Conception on Wednesday. Some other people in my family who have had this stuff were sick with it for over a week. I’ve got a ride to the Latin Mass on Wednesday, and I’d love to go, but if I’m still sick, should I go, or should I stay home?

 

[PJM]

=TBolt1000T;7339190]If someone has the flu or a really bad cold, and that person decides to not go to Mass because of it, have they still committed a mortal sin? The reason I’m asking, is because I’ve come down with something, and I don’t want to give it to anyone else. I went on ahead and went to Mass yesterday, but I feel worse today, and I don’t know how I’ll feel by Immaculate Conception on Wednesday. Some other people in my family who have had this stuff were sick with it for over a week. I’ve got a ride to the Latin Mass on Wednesday, and I’d love to go, but if I’m still sick, should I go, or should I stay home?

ONLY!!! If YOU wanted too, planned to get the FLU so that you’d hve an excue to miss Mass,

 

[thistle]

If someone has the flu or a really bad cold, and that person decides to not go to Mass because of it, have they still committed a mortal sin? The reason I’m asking, is because I’ve come down with something, and I don’t want to give it to anyone else. I went on ahead and went to Mass yesterday, but I feel worse today, and I don’t know how I’ll feel by Immaculate Conception on Wednesday. Some other people in my family who have had this stuff were sick with it for over a week. I’ve got a ride to the Latin Mass on Wednesday, and I’d love to go, but if I’m still sick, should I go, or should I stay home?

You are not obliged to attend Mass if you are sick (e.g. with flu).

Actually I would say its a sin to attend Mass with flu because that is a deliberate action which can result in other people falling sick from your flu virus.

 

[TBolt1000T]

You are not obliged to attend Mass if you are sick (e.g. with flu).

Actually I would say its a sin to attend Mass with flu because that is a deliberate action which can result in other people falling sick from your flu virus.

I can’t tell yet if this is just a cold or the flu. When my dad had it, he had severe congestion in both his nose and his chest, and a really bad headache. When my mom had it, she had fairly mild congestion compared to my dad, but she ran a fever for several days, and it peaked at over 100. I’m not 100 percent sure whether I have what they’ve had, or not. Right now, I feel a little feverish, I have some sinus congestion, and I was a little dizzy earlier today. I don’t have access to a properly working thermometer right now, so I can’t tell for sure whether I’m running a fever or not.

 

[ConstantineTG]

The Church doesn’t expect the impossible from us. If we’re sick or if there is any other impediment to our being there and its a just reason, then we are dispensed with our obligation. For example, you were on your way to Mass and you are on a bridge and an accident happened up ahead. The bridge was closed for hours and you missed Mass and there is no other Mass in your area. That is not a sin. Circumstances are beyond your control. Same with illnesses. In fact, you don’t have to be the one that’s sick. If someone else is sick and you need to be there, you are also dispensed.

 

[Barbkw]

I wish more people would stay away from Mass when they are sick. It’s not at all sinful to stay home when you’re ill or your children are ill.

Masses sound more like a hospital emergency room.

The two babies behind me at Mass sounded like they had croup. If I were their Mother, I’d have been afraid to leave them alone while they slept.

 

[TBolt1000T]

I wish more people would stay away from Mass when they are sick. It’s not at all sinful to stay home when you’re ill or your children are ill.

Masses sound more like a hospital emergency room.

The two babies behind me at Mass sounded like they had croup. If I were their Mother, I’d have been afraid to leave them alone while they slept.

Would this also apply if it were just a cold?

 

[ConstantineTG]

Would this also apply if it were just a cold?

Yes. Many churchgoers are older people who’s immune systems may not be as good as they were in the past. It may not be a big deal to infect the teenager in the pew in front of you, but it would be a big deal if grandma 3 pews over gets the cold. In some cases it could be fatal for them.

 

[Brywan]

Would this also apply if it were just a cold?

If you are coughing and hacking and sneezing and blowing your nose all over the place, please do us all a favor and stay home…

And if you do have a cold and come to Mass try to keep it to yourself by coughing into your sleeve and not shaking hands with anyone…PLEASE!!!

 

[Brywan]

Yes. Many churchgoers are older people who’s immune systems may not be as good as they were in the past. It may not be a big deal to infect the teenager in the pew in front of you, but it would be a big deal if grandma 3 pews over gets the cold. In some cases it could be fatal for them.

Amen!! I am the primary care-giver of my elderly parents and I don’t want to catch a cold and bring it home to them–it easily morphs into pneumonia…

 

[Rachel_1]

Would this also apply if it were just a cold?

Hey Josh,
You don’t have to go if you’re sick. As far as what’s going around here, it’s a virus. Not the flu, but a virus that can turn into a bacterial infection (I know because antibiotics are helping people with it). If it gets into your lungs, go to the dr and get some meds.
FYI, I’m not a dr, I just pretend to be one haha

 

[baltobetsy]

If you are sick enough to skip work or school or a movie with friends, you are sick enough to stay home from Mass. If you’re contagious, please stay home. If you are too dizzy and can’t get there safely, stay home. Don’t make this more difficult than it needs to be. God is your Father - He wants you to get well.

 

[TheRealJuliane]

I can’t tell yet if this is just a cold or the flu. When my dad had it, he had severe congestion in both his nose and his chest, and a really bad headache. When my mom had it, she had fairly mild congestion compared to my dad, but she ran a fever for several days, and it peaked at over 100. I’m not 100 percent sure whether I have what they’ve had, or not. Right now, I feel a little feverish, I have some sinus congestion, and I was a little dizzy earlier today. I don’t have access to a properly working thermometer right now, so I can’t tell for sure whether I’m running a fever or not.

Remember, just because you are feeling better does not mean that you are not contagious and might spread the virus to someone else. Please do not go to Mass if you are sick! It is not a sin to be ill! But going in spite of being ill and knowing that you might infect others just might be a sin!

 

[Bookcat]

Now on the other side of the question… if it is a cold…is it wrong to go to Mass? No I do not think so…but use normal precautions…to avoid giving it to anyone. Now if your coughing or sneezing …then that can be something to consider …

I will stay home if I have the flu of course…but if I reasonably judge it is “just a cold”…then I use the normal precautions

(though remember some things like RSV (no not the Bible!) present as mild cold for adults but can be very very severe for babies, very young children,some older adults etc.–so certainly stay away from any babies around you and perhaps some other like persons…even it just a cold)

Here is what Jimmy Akin of CA says: jimmyakin.org/2005/01/attention_cold_.html

 

[SummerSmiles]

God understands when people get sick. Even if you’re not sure if it’s the flu or just the common cold. If you would stay home from work/school/social engagements, it’s OK to skip Mass until you recover.

 

[TBolt1000T]

Thanks to everyone for the replies. I just had someone come over with a working thermometer, and I am running a temperature. Right now, it’s 99.1 under my arm, but this person, who is an RN, told me that I needed to add a degree to that since it was taken under my arm. If I’m stil running a temperature tomorrow, or if I’m not feeling better, I’ll definitely stay home. I hope I’m over this stuff by Sunday!

 

[Bookcat]

Thanks to everyone for the replies. If I’m stil running a temperature tomorrow, or if I’m not feeling better, I’ll definitely stay home. I hope I’m over this stuff by Sunday!

Remember…that some things are still contagious when you still have them…even if one is not having a fever.

All depends on the thing.

 

[vera_dicere]

I can’t tell yet if this is just a cold or the flu. When my dad had it, he had severe congestion in both his nose and his chest, and a really bad headache. When my mom had it, she had fairly mild congestion compared to my dad, but she ran a fever for several days, and it peaked at over 100. I’m not 100 percent sure whether I have what they’ve had, or not. Right now, I feel a little feverish, I have some sinus congestion, and I was a little dizzy earlier today. I don’t have access to a properly working thermometer right now, so I can’t tell for sure whether I’m running a fever or not.

While its debatable what you have, consider the following, how would an 80 year old nana with a bung hip, diabetes and a dodgey ticker do with your cold?

I’ve seen a poster in a hospital: “Doctor Jone’s cold became Mrs. Green’s pneumonia”.

Stay home. You’re not committing any sin if you avoid spreading your germs.

 

[ConstantineTG]

Wearing a surgical mask can be taken as a precaution. Also try to be last in line to receive Communion.

 

[vera_dicere]

Wearing a surgical mask can be taken as a precaution. Also try to be last in line to receive Communion.

Not to rain on anyone’s parade, but those things don’t really do squat.

All it takes is a touch of the face and a touch on the bench or to shake someone’s hand, even pulling your jersey on in the morning could get the viral particles on the material which you then spread when you sit down in pews. Amazing how easily thigns can spread, especially if people have weakened immune systems.