Mass and surgery

[SecretGarden]

Is it a bad thing to miss mass if they are recovering from surgery? I know someone who had surgery on Tuesday but they find it difficult to walk around and sitting upright in a regular chair for more than 20 minutes that it makes it difficult for them to attend mass because of their present physical restrictions. They have plans to watch a mass online but could this count when they tire easily and they aren’t that mobile especially considering their local parish and their regular parish are about an hour away from each other.

Surely there is grace for people who aren’t well but who attend as regularly as they can.

Thanks SG

 

[YoungTradCath]

If you absolutely can’t attend mass, your obligation is waived. So, if you are recovering from surgery, obviously you can’t attend mass, so your obligation is waived.

 

[Mrs_Sally]

If you absolutely can’t attend mass, your obligation is waived. So, if you are recovering from surgery, obviously you can’t attend mass, so your obligation is waived.

Correct. If you are recovering fro surgery, your obligation is waived due to your illness/ recovery.Those who are ill, including recovering for surgery, are caring for somene who is ill or a young child, those without transportation are all excused.

Of course, if you can get out to the mall, are well enough for the movies, can get a babysitter for dinner, etc. than you need to get to Mass. But in the case described by the OP, the person should simply say additional prayers on Sunday and rest and recuperate. Hopefully by next week he/she will be able to get out to Mass.

 

[Matthew_Holford]

Is it a bad thing to miss mass if they are recovering from surgery?

No, illness relieves one from the obligation.

They have plans to watch a mass online but could this count …

No, it won’t “count” but the person is relieved of the obligation.

Surely there is grace for people who aren’t well but who attend as regularly as they can.

There is: if a person is too ill to go to Mass they’re relieved of the obligation.

 

[puzzleannie]

Is it a bad thing to miss mass if they are recovering from surgery? ISG

it is never a good thing to miss Mass, but if you can’t go, and illness and recovery from surgery are examples of times you might not be able to go, you have no obligation. It would be an act of charity to call the office and ask for someone to bring communion to you friend.

 

[Spirithound]

Is it a bad thing to miss mass if they are recovering from surgery? I know someone who had surgery on Tuesday but they find it difficult to walk around and sitting upright in a regular chair for more than 20 minutes that it makes it difficult for them to attend mass because of their present physical restrictions. They have plans to watch a mass online but could this count…

Recovering from surgery is certainly a good justification to miss Mass, especially given the physical circumstances you described. Watching a Mass on TV or the internet does not fulfill any sort of obligation, however it can be a meritorious act on its own.