How sick must one be, before they are excused from Mass?

[dumspirospero]

This is a question that I am pondering in my head, because I am sick right now and I would like to remain in the bed this morning…yet I know it is a mortal sin to miss Mass, and I don’t like missing Mass anyway…I enjoy being able to go to Mass. Granted, I am not close to the point of hospitalization, but I am infact sick. How sick must one be before they are excused from their Sunday obligation.

 

[Joysong]

I remembered what Jesus said, that the Sabbath was made for man. That being so, God is not offended if we miss Mass due to a good reason. I missed mass twice recently when my vehicle had problems. The battery went dead because I forgot and left the door open all night, and the dome light used up all the power.
I don’t believe God would want me to call a cab or walk to Church just to fulfill my Sunday obligation. (I am new in this town and had nobody to call for a ride, either)

Mama always said, if I am too sick to go to church, I am too sick to go anywhere else, and would not permit me to leave the house all day. Only you know how true this is for your situation. I would hope you don’t develop a scruple about it.

 

[Mysty101]

I agree, if you would miss school or work, or any other obligation, then I feel you would be excused from Mass.

And I agree that if you miss Mass and then feel up to going somewhere else (especially for recreation) that would be wrong.

Also if you have a fever or a strept throat or any other serious contageous illlness (I wouldn’t stay home for a slight cold) it would be better to stay home, both for yourself and for the other people.

 

[Scullinius]

Does your parish offer a 5PM Sunday Mass? Maybe you’ll feel well enough by then to go… and sit in the back!

 

[Timidity]

Mysty101:

Also if you have a fever or a strept throat or any other serious contageous illlness (I wouldn’t stay home for a slight cold) it would be better to stay home, both for yourself and for the other people.

I’ll echo this. A lot of people who go to Mass are elderly and babies who both have less-than-perfect immune systems.

 

[WhatMeWorry]

If you’ve been up all night with your illness, you’re dog-tired, have been taking cold meds and are feeling a little on the woozy side, you should probably think twice about driving to Mass until you’re more mentally alert. Don’t risk getting into an accident.