Mass obligation: What's the minimum age?

[Ginkgo100]

I recently explained to my eight-year-old (an aspiring lawyer, I think) that missing Mass on purpose, without a good reason, is a mortal sin. He then explained to his five-year-old brother that missing Mass is a mortal sin “if you’re first grade and up.” That led to the question: At what age does one become obligated to attend Mass on Sundays and holy days? I suspect the answer is “age seven,” the canonical age of reason, but is that correct?

In our family the rule is that, if only one parent is going to Mass for some reason, a child must go to Mass with them (unless there is a good reason for them not to go) once they start formation for First Communion, which in our diocese is the beginning of first grade (it’s a two-year formation with the First Communion in the spring of second grade). I’m sure that’s why my son thought missing Mass becomes a mortal sin for “first grade and up.”

(Really, it’s an academic question: what elementary-aged child is even free to decide whether or not to go to Mass? Or if their parents are so lax as to let the child choose whether they want to go, then can that child possibly have full knowledge of the gravity of missing Mass?)

 

[1ke]

I recently explained to my eight-year-old (an aspiring lawyer, I think) that missing Mass on purpose, without a good reason, is a mortal sin. He then explained to his five-year-old brother that missing Mass is a mortal sin “if you’re first grade and up.” That led to the question: At what age does one become obligated to attend Mass on Sundays and holy days? I suspect the answer is “age seven,” the canonical age of reason, but is that correct?

Can. 11 Merely ecclesiastical laws bind those who have been baptized in the Catholic Church or received into it, possess the efficient use of reason, and, unless the law expressly provides otherwise, have completed seven years of age.

So yes, when they turn 7.

 

[angell1]

Can. 11 Merely ecclesiastical laws bind those who have been baptized in the Catholic Church or received into it, possess the efficient use of reason, and, unless the law expressly provides otherwise, have completed seven years of age.

So yes, when they turn 7.

even though this is what canon law states, I would be careful with this

mass attendance should be encouraged for children as much as possible

it can easily become a slippery slope from “meh, he’s only 5, no big deal” to it suddenly being mortal sin for the child 2 years later

we should be teaching children that it’s the highest privilege to go to mass, not going out of obligation, begrudgingly, because we have to. which unfortunately, the term “sunday obligation” sort of suggests, even though that’s not what it’s supposed to mean

 

[Beautiful]

we should be teaching children that it’s the highest privilege to go to mass, not going out of obligation, begrudgingly, because we have to. which unfortunately, the term “sunday obligation” sort of suggests, even though that’s not what it’s supposed to mean

This should be cut and pasted and printed on the hand of every Catholic parent.

 

[v21337304]

I think every state and countries around the world have its own rules.

Having said that I agree that to go to Mass, especially the young, should be considered a privilage not an obligation. Also children should have the Mass explained as otherwise it will become routine.

 

[paperwight66]

I think every state and countries around the world have its own rules.
.

Rules about when a child should attend Mass, you mean? Different from Canon law?

 

[MissRose73]

I was brought to Mass even as an infant. I did miss a bit as a toddler/preschooler due to some health issues that cleared up and my mother didn’t want to risk bringing 2 youngsters under age 5 - one with a health issue that required use of a bathroom more often, and a young healthy very active one who would bolt off if not restrained & watched very close.

Once my health issues cleared up, my mother was able to take both me and my sister to Mass on Saturday evenings. It was rare to miss unless she was sick or her car didn’t work. My dad rarely went to Mass, and often had to work on Saturdays.

I would say start bringing them as infants. There are some parents at my church that have been doing so and their kids continue to come with them as they get to be elementary school aged & older. I think that in religious education also it really needs to emphasized at all age groups of children and young people the importance of Mass attendance for one thing, and that parents should also be informed that Mass attendance is important too.

 

[PJM]

I recently explained to my eight-year-old (an aspiring lawyer, I think) that missing Mass on purpose, without a good reason, is a mortal sin. He then explained to his five-year-old brother that missing Mass is a mortal sin “if you’re first grade and up.” That led to the question: At what age does one become obligated to attend Mass on Sundays and holy days? I suspect the answer is “age seven,” the canonical age of reason, but is that correct?

In our family the rule is that, if only one parent is going to Mass for some reason, a child must go to Mass with them (unless there is a good reason for them not to go) once they start formation for First Communion, which in our diocese is the beginning of first grade (it’s a two-year formation with the First Communion in the spring of second grade). I’m sure that’s why my son thought missing Mass becomes a mortal sin for “first grade and up.”

(Really, it’s an academic question: what elementary-aged child is even free to decide whether or not to go to Mass? Or if their parents are so lax as to let the child choose whether they want to go, then can that child possibly have full knowledge of the gravity of missing Mass?)

At the AGE of comprehension.

They shouldt be able to comprehend:

Sin: 1 John 1:6-7
Mortal sin 1: john 5:16-27
Sacramental Confession and its need and effects

GREAT question,
Thanks

 

[GNM1999]

If I aspire to join the Catholic Church, but am not received into it or officially converted, would it still be a mortal sin to miss Mass? Even if I want to go but can’t?

 

[Don_Ruggero]

If I aspire to join the Catholic Church, but am not received into it or officially converted, would it still be a mortal sin to miss Mass? Even if I want to go but can’t?

The obligation to assist at Mass binds Catholics. Even those who have the obligation would not commit sin if they are unable to get to Mass for any of a variety of reasons.

 

[1ke]

If I aspire to join the Catholic Church, but am not received into it or officially converted, would it still be a mortal sin to miss Mass?

No.

Assistance at Mass binds Catholics, not non-Catholics.

Even if I want to go but can’t?

It is not a sin at all to miss Mass when you *cannot *go, there are many reasons that people are excused from mass-- illness, care of infants, weather, transportation, and more.

You are a minor, and your parents have not given permission for you to become Catholic. Therefore, you will have to wait until you are 18 to pursue becoming Catholic.

 

[Don_Ruggero]

I recently explained to my eight-year-old (an aspiring lawyer, I think) that missing Mass on purpose, without a good reason, is a mortal sin. He then explained to his five-year-old brother that missing Mass is a mortal sin “if you’re first grade and up.” That led to the question: At what age does one become obligated to attend Mass on Sundays and holy days? I suspect the answer is “age seven,” the canonical age of reason, but is that correct?

In our family the rule is that, if only one parent is going to Mass for some reason, a child must go to Mass with them (unless there is a good reason for them not to go) once they start formation for First Communion, which in our diocese is the beginning of first grade (it’s a two-year formation with the First Communion in the spring of second grade). I’m sure that’s why my son thought missing Mass becomes a mortal sin for “first grade and up.”

(Really, it’s an academic question: what elementary-aged child is even free to decide whether or not to go to Mass? Or if their parents are so lax as to let the child choose whether they want to go, then can that child possibly have full knowledge of the gravity of missing Mass?)

In essence, you are correct in your last paragraph, in so far as real applicability prevails…which is why the question does not admit of a universal answer, above all in so far as we are speaking of acquisition of moral guilt. Canon 11 has been rightly referenced, which is normative – all else being equal. If the child is developmentally challenged psychologically, that radically affects the age of reason. In canon law, too, there is a direct correspondence however between an obligation and one’s ability to fulfill the obligation. Where one cannot fulfill it, the obligation does not bind, in cases where we are speaking about an obligation that one physically cannot complete.

A child of such a tender age, even passed the age of reason, cannot independently fulfill the obligation to assist at Mass on her own; the degree to which the obligation binds is contingent upon the circumstances. If a nine year old’s parents miss Mass, depending on the circumstances, they may or may not have failed relative to their Mass obligation; the child has not as, in the absence of another responsible adult, she cannot betake herself to Mass and indeed positively should not attempt to do so. In such a case as just cited, the child does not need to approach the sacrament of reconciliation, even if the parents do.

And, from moral theology, a confessor would of course employ the traditional criteria for the commission of a serious sin: one has to look both to knowledge (“sufficient reflection”) and freedom (“full consent of will”) relative to a child at the age of reason or just beyond as well as other factors.

Apart from attending Mass in the company of a parent or someone acting in loco parentis, the obligation would really become binding, particularly in what concerns sin, when they are capable of attending independently and of their own volition, which is itself extremely variable, depending upon where they live, the civil laws, their own maturity and the policies of the parent…particularly if the parents have either ceased practicing the faith or even have become hostile to it.

That said, it is a wonderful thing for even a very young child to be attending Mass with her family.

 

[Kielbasi]

If a nine year old’s parents miss Mass, depending on the circumstances, they may or may not have failed relative to their Mass obligation; the child has not as, in the absence of another responsible adult, she cannot betake herself to Mass and indeed positively should not attempt to do so. In such a case as just cited, the child does not need to approach the sacrament of reconciliation, even if the parents do.

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.

 

[OraLabora]

When I was a young boy, my mother had frequent health problems and would not be able to bring me to Mass (she was Catholic).

My Protestant (Anglican) father, however, would sub for her and take me to Mass. Catholic Mass. He took his duty seriously of raising the kids Catholic, which he agreed to so my mother could be dispensed to marry him, in 1956.

The church was just a bit too far for a young child to walk alone and I had no brothers or sisters living at home.

 

[HB11]

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.

Yes same way in Bklyn years ago.

 

[Kielbasi]

The church also had a school bus, used during the week to bring children to school from the far reaches of the parish and a neighboring parish that didn’t have school. Used on Sundays to bring car-less parishioners to mass, which would include kids as well as pedestrian adults.

When state law required school districts to provide private school students with transportation beginning in the 70’s, that was the end of the parish bus ministry.

 

[Don_Ruggero]

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.

In my day, as well, I walked many places without supervision. That was part of life. Walking to school, to church, to the various shops or other errands. But, in my case, we are talking about a distant era and a different society…my grandparents of blessed memory were from the 19th century after all, God rest their souls.

I have fond memories of walking to the parish church and visiting it by myself in my youth. It was quite normal for my day and place. But my American confreres in the priesthood have said to me, in response to my reminiscences, that such experiences would be impossible now and that the child protective regulations in place today can sanction parents that allow children who have not attained an age prescribed by law from being out and about without adult supervision. I was given to understand that these regulations have implications for the Church with regard to both children walking to a parish un-escorted or being there while unaccompanied by adult supervision.

 

[OraLabora]

Yes same way in Bklyn years ago.

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.

 

[babochka]

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.

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.

 

[PJM]

If I aspire to join the Catholic Church, but am not received into it or officially converted, would it still be a mortal sin to miss Mass? Even if I want to go but can’t?

WOW! That’s a lot of very important questions

1st allow me to welcome you to CAF. We are delighted and grateful that you found you’re way here.

2nd Please kn ow as a FYI; that post size and repleis are limited in SIZE. So our replies often have to be more brief than we would like them to to be; or perhaps ought to be.

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