Is it right for a priest to teach that missing Mass for any reason is not a mortal sin?

[Class_Act]

I was visiting my dad in hospital when a Eucharistic minister came to administer Holy Communion. My mom said she could not receive since she had missed Mass. He promptly stated that it was not a mortal sin to miss Mass on Sunday. I asked since when this was the case and he replied since Vatican II in the 60’s. I was very upset that he was evidently a misguided soul misguiding others and called the priest from the parish he was from. i was appalled to get the same answer. The priest told me that other priests did not have the courage to tell their parishioners that it was no longer a mortal sin not to attend Sunday Mass and that they just used that as a way to control the people. I believe the priest is wrong and teaching his congregation what is wrong. I need to know the TRUTH. Can you help clarify? Should I contact Cardinal George to let him know the situation as this would fall under his jurisdiction? Please help.

 

[Fr.Charles_Grondin]

From the Catechism of the Catholic Church (bold added):

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. **Those who deliberately fail in this obligation commit a grave sin. **

The Church clearly teaches that to deliberately fail to attend Mass on Sundays is a grave (i.e. mortal) sin.

In the case of your mother, if she missed Mass because she was with her husband in the hospital then she is excused for that serious reason. But under normal circumstances, the EMHC and priest were incorrect.