Is it is a sin not to participate in Mass?

[Irishgal49]

If you attend mass and read along but do not say any responses, is that a sin? If you are praying the rosary, reading your Bible or simply reading along but not saying responses is that a sin?

It seems I saw something on this–but I’m at work and I cannot check my catechism.

Thanks for any info.

 

[a83192]

no it is not a sin. that is how people in the pre Vatican II era participated. Interiorly.

 

[promethius]

If you attend mass and read along but do not say any responses, is that a sin? If you are praying the rosary, reading your Bible or simply reading along but not saying responses is that a sin?

It seems I saw something on this–but I’m at work and I cannot check my catechism.

Thanks for any info.

The following is all my personal take on the situation, and why I don’t engage in reading the scriptures (other than the readings) or praying the rosary at mass:

I would say that sitting attentively, taking notes, etc, is fine and dandy… in that you are MENTALLY attending the mass.

If one is sitting there tuning out the mass so you can do something else, be it pray the rosary, read the bible (both things you should do, just on your own time), or listening to your iPod and playing video games, I would strongly question if they had fulfilled the sunday obligation to ATTEND mass. One can be physically present and mentally absent.

And if we’re talking about piety, what would Jesus think looking down from the cross on calvary, if He had seen his mother and disciple sitting there reading the Torah rather than witnessing His sacrifice… so when we consider that the mass is that SAME sacrifice made open to us before our very eyes, why would we dare to zone out and do something else rather than give Christ our full devotion and attention?

 

[puzzleannie]

If you attend mass and read along but do not say any responses, is that a sin? If you are praying the rosary, reading your Bible or simply reading along but not saying responses is that a sin?

It seems I saw something on this–but I’m at work and I cannot check my catechism.

Thanks for any info.

not it is not a sin, there is more to participation than making the responses. we are not always in the frame of mind or spirit to be full active participants. the important thing is that you are their and as attentive as you can be under the circumstances at the time.

 

[Nelka]

I used to read the New Testament during the homily but now I listen to the honily unless I am in a Polish village then I have my New Testament at hand.

 

[EasterJoy]

Sometimes distractions are more or less involuntary, and sometimes there are practical issues that prevent full direct participation. If you can’t participate directly or fully, you can engage in other acts that a) aren’t distracting to anyone else and b) are your best option for attending to the Mass as fully you are able to do. It is possible, then, that reciting the rosary might be your best option for keeping your heart and attention where it belongs.

Pretending you’re “all there” when you’re not or refusing to join in the responses of the people when you’re needed and able but don’t care to do so is at least a spiritual fault.

There is no need to concern yourself about someone else is doing, however, unless they are under your spiritual authority or come to you for spiritual advice. It is a virtue and great habit in favor of peace to confine yourself to the duties of your own state in life, too, after all.

 

[ConstantineTG]

Define “participation”. I think Catholics purposely merely paying “lip service” during Mass is doing something wrong.