Is there still an obligation to go to Mass?

[Amanda13]

My family and I recently visited a sick friend who is in the hospital at the current time. While there, I received Communion from the Eucharistic Minister who visited my friend in his hospital room. Was I still obliged to go to a full Mass?

 

[Fr.Charles_Grondin]

Yes, you were still obligated to go to Mass. Our obligation is to attend Mass, not receive communion. However, if it was reasonably necessary for you to miss Mass in order to be with your friend in the hospital you could be dispensed from the obligation.

Catechism:

**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.