I Didn't Bring My Son To Church Today. Is That A Sin?

[HopefulShepherd]

I have a 15 month old child and take him to church every week with me. Today, however, he was sleeping late and I didn’t want to wake him up. I know it is a holy day of obligation, and I am responsible for him, so did I sin or do something wrong by not bringing him with me?

 

[1ke]

I have a 15 month old child and take him to church every week with me. Today, however, he was sleeping late and I didn’t want to wake him up. I know it is a holy day of obligation, and I am responsible for him, so did I sin or do something wrong by not bringing him with me?

No. A 15 month old does not have a Mass obligation.

Can. 11 Merely ecclesiastical laws bind those who have been baptized in the Catholic Church or received into it, possess the efficient use of reason, and, unless the law expressly provides otherwise, have completed seven years of age.

 

[DavidFilmer]

Are you saying that YOU didn’t go to Mass because you didn’t want to wake your son to go with you (presuming nobody else would be home to watch over him while you were gone)?

That could possibly be sinful (it would be a pretty lame excuse). But your infant son has no obligation to attend Mass, so if you went and he didn’t, it’s no problem.

 

[Gertabelle]

You did fine. If you are ever worried about something like this, be sure to mention it in confession so you’re forgiven if necessary, and reassured if it’s all right.

God bless you and your family!

Gertie

 

[Actaeon]

No. A 15 month old does not have a Mass obligation.

Can. 11 Merely ecclesiastical laws bind those who have been baptized in the Catholic Church or received into it, possess the efficient use of reason, and, unless the law expressly provides otherwise, have completed seven years of age.

+1

OP,

Your son is 15 months old, and has different sleep patterns than an adult (which is important for them to get their sleep at that age!). Aside from the fact that he has no mass obligation, a child that young needs to get appropriate rest. You did right to leave him at home (although it’s good that you bring him with you so much!)