Mass obligation: What's the minimum age?

[paperwight66]

And it is only a sin for Catholics. Yu seem to have overlooked the fact that the OP isn’t yet a Catholic, so he is not bound by the obligation.

 

[SMHW]

Sadly, this is no longer the case with American children today. Even parents who are inclined to let their children have a bit more independence are scrutinized and criticized by other parents and sometimes even the authorities. I was questioned when I allowed 2 of my children, 10 and 12 years old, walk one half mile to the grocery store.

Yes. While I would prefer that American society took a more free range (but responsible) view of child raising, that is not the current climate in many places. The Church does not want to see a child removed from his parents’ home (even temporarily) because the child traveled to Mass by himself and someone called Protective Services.

 

[Don_Ruggero]

The NORM for entry into the RCC is through a program termed RCIA: “Rites of initiation for Adults”; which is offered by EVERY Catholic Parish.It usually runs from back to school until Easter Sunday; BUT can vary depending on the Pastors preferences. It’s a very BASIC introduction into our beliefs and practices and offers an opportunity for you to get at least many of your questions answered. And as the NORM it is mandatory.

Now to your great questions.

Missing Mass by intent to miss Mass is as you say a Mortal sin [1 Jn. 5:16-17]

It is a sin against the 2nd Commandment: “Keep HOLY the Sabbath day”. It obligates EVERYONE to give to God the time and the Worship that He deserves and commands.

For ALL who do [or at least OUGHT TO] comprehend this; to freely choose NOT to obey it would be a grievous Sin as it denies God what is DUE to Him.

HOWEVER IF YOU DO NOT INTEND to violate this commandment; and are somehow validly inhibited form fulfilling the obligation; than NO; it NOT a sin at all. PRAY MUCH! And check with the pastor of your local Catholic Church. The office might even be able to answer your questions.

God Bless you,

Patrick

No. What you write is not correct. You are confusing and also conflating divine positive law and ecclesiastical law. The obligation to keep holy the day of the Lord is divine positive law. Attendance at Mass, celebrated by a Catholic priest, on a day of obligation is an ecclesiastical law of Catholics for Catholics and is part of how we comply with divine positive law.

The original poster is not obliged to this unless and until he becomes Catholic – and even then, if he is in a situation in which it is impossible to get to Mass, he does not commit a sin as the obligation does not apply in that circumstance.

 

[ProVobis]

Montreal too. By the time I was 10, I would take the bus or subway across the city, alone or with friends, to Belmont Park (where a big amusement park used to be) or the old Expo 67 site. I could also take the city bus to school then or ride my bike; the parish church was across the street from my school. When I was below 10 though I’d be taken to church or school.

8 for me when I lived in London but I could have been even younger. Knew the Victoria Station and all the train switches by heart. It was like 3 train stops away.

My dad caught me once, though.

 

[Sunbreak]

Maybe we were raised a little more “free range” back in the 60’s, but we walked to school without adult supervision and some walked to church as well. I remember getting sent down to the local grocery to buy a few items for my mother. I guess it depends in part on how far the church and the school are from the people’s house.

Same here. My parents didn’t go to Mass most of the time but insisted we children go. Since we lived only about 8 houses down and across a minor street from the church, we walked there ourselves (and to school every day at the same location). Since I barely made the age cutoff when I started school, this means I was walking over to the church/school area on my own when I was just 5 years old for a few months until I turned 6. This was in Detroit - certainly the kids can’t do that now.

 

[PJM]

And it is only a sin for Catholics. Yu seem to have overlooked the fact that the OP isn’t yet a Catholic, so he is not bound by the obligation.

No I didn’t

Whay=t I DID do is fail to make a clear case:blush:

It’s the 3td Commandment; BINDING on all humanity long B4 Jesus Established His CC.

I should NOT have said Mass [MY opps:blush:]

Thanks
Patrick