Is it a mortal sin for a RCIA candidate to miss Mass without good reason?

[slh3016]

This is sort of a hypothetical situation, but one that I am curious about since my family and I are in RCIA right now. I asked my RCIA director at what point does the Catholic Church rule of missing Mass = mortal sin become binding on a RCIA candidate. She said it was at the point that you knew it would be a mortal sin to miss and did it anyway. I then asked why it would be accounted to a candidate as a mortal sin when the sacrament of reconciliation wasn’t yet available to us for it to be forgiven? She didn’t have an answer.

So, that is my question here: *Are RCIA candidates held to the same standard as full-fledged Catholics in regards to Mass attendance, etc.? *

Also, I’m assuming that having children who are ill (with temps) who cannot be left at home alone to attend Mass wouldn’t be a mortal sin for the parent, correct? That is our situation right now and DH attended Mass tonight and leaves on a business trip early in the morning so I won’t be able to attend Mass tomorrow. I plan on spending time in prayer and study, though

 

[1ke]

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.

 

[1ke]

Also, I’m assuming that having children who are ill (with temps) who cannot be left at home alone to attend Mass wouldn’t be a mortal sin for the parent, correct? That is our situation right now and DH attended Mass tonight and leaves on a business trip early in the morning so I won’t be able to attend Mass tomorrow. I plan on spending time in prayer and study, though

You are correct.

 

[slh3016]

Thanks!

Does that canon also apply to Lenten fasting as well? I’m hoping it does! We will be traveling on Ash Wednesday and it might be very difficult to drive 18+ hours with kids and no coffee

 

[1ke]

Thanks!

Does that canon also apply to Lenten fasting as well? I’m hoping it does! We will be traveling on Ash Wednesday and it might be very difficult to drive 18+ hours with kids and no coffee

Yes.

However, Lenten discipline does not require you to abstain from coffee.

 

[SuscipeMeDomine]

Actually, even if you had already been baptized or received into the Church, caring for the sick is a valid reason for missing Mass:

2181 The Sunday Eucharist is the foundation and confirmation of all Christian practice. For this reason the faithful are obliged to participate in the Eucharist on days of obligation, unless excused for a serious reason (for example, illness, the care of infants) or dispensed by their own pastor.119 Those who deliberately fail in this obligation commit a grave sin.