Missed Sunday Mass Do I Need Confession?

[queentakesjack]

Hi everyone, I have a quick question. So I got ready to go to mass this morning, but when I got to my parish it was closed. I had forgotten that it was the annual parish picnic at the airport mass. I do not have a driver’s license and so was going to be dropped off by my dad, but the airport is 20 minutes away. I feel really bad because I had been reminded of it for a few weeks but I honestly just forgot. I looked up a parish that is only about 10-15 minutes from where I live but I wouldn’t of been able to make it in time. Now I could look up some other catholic churches that are a bit farther away of which I’ve never been to, but again I have no license of my own. I could probably call somebody, but I was wondering if I could just catch the EWTN mass and make a spiritual communion? Have I committed a mortal sin that I need to go to confession for because I missed mass and technically could have gone more out of my way to catch a different mass at one of the farther away parishes or am I just being too scrupulous? I feel really conflicted about it. Any advice would be much appreciated.

 

[YADA]

Hi everyone, I have a quick question. So I got ready to go to mass this morning, but when I got to my parish it was closed. I had forgotten that it was the annual parish picnic at the airport mass. I do not have a driver’s license and so was going to be dropped off by my dad, but the airport is 20 minutes away. I feel really bad because I had been reminded of it for a few weeks but I honestly just forgot. I looked up a parish that is only about 10-15 minutes from where I live but I wouldn’t of been able to make it in time. Now I could look up some other catholic churches that are a bit farther away of which I’ve never been to, but again I have no license of my own. I could probably call somebody, but I was wondering if I could just catch the EWTN mass and make a spiritual communion? Have I committed a mortal sin that I need to go to confession for because I missed mass and technically could have gone more out of my way to catch a different mass at one of the farther away parishes or am I just being too scrupulous? I feel really conflicted about it. Any advice would be much appreciated.

I would look for another near by Mass that you can reach via mass transit or a nice long walk … during which you can pray. YOU should make every effort to make Mass - even if its not as convenient for you. In my area - there are multiple opportunities from Sunday morning to Sunday evening - and is sounds like you do have other chances to make Mass.

That said - if you truly are unable to find a Mass - you cannot sin accidentally - sin takes intent … A few years back we missed Mass because a Parish where we were moved the Mass time and location because of a picnic held once a year jointly with their Mission parish - [we did not know about this at all and showed up at the parish at the published time]. There was not other option - and we had a meeting 3.5 hours away - we were going to go to Mass on our way out of town. I explored as best I could finding another Mass along the route … none …

Our parish priest said that our showing up at the Church for the regular Mass was proof of our intent. We had no control over the change. Our effort to make another Mass was above and beyond what he considered necessary and we had met our Sunday obligation. With that experience - I would say do what you can and - Please be at peace - and do speak with your priest if you need more confirmation.

Also - this was the first Sunday or Holy Day Mass I have missed in probably 15 years - I was totally distraught …We would have made changes in our plans if we had known - because Mass is the anchor of our week.

 

[queentakesjack]

Thank you very much for your kind advice. I unfortunately live in a very rural area and so the only other parishes are in neighboring towns which would make it difficult to walk to and we do not have any mass transits here. (no buses, subways, trains, etc…) I looked up the only other 2 parishes near me that I know of and each mass times started at 11am or noon which would make it impossible for me to make it on time. As I stated before we are a pretty rural area and none of the three parishes offer any evening Sunday masses.

 

[YADA]

Thank you very much for your kind advice. I unfortunately live in a very rural area and so the only other parishes are in neighboring towns which would make it difficult to walk to and we do not have any mass transits here. (no buses, subways, trains, etc…) I looked up the only other 2 parishes near me that I know of and each mass times started at 11am or noon which would make it impossible for me to make it on time. As I stated before we are a pretty rural area and none of the three parishes offer any evening Sunday masses.

Then be at peace … read and pray over the scripture readings for today and if your heart needs confirmation speak with your parish priest. Have a Blessed Sundayv

 

[GEddie]

If you can’t get there, there is no sin.

ICXC NIKA

 

[peter26]

To be honest, I doubt you have mortally sinned here, but if it is troubling you you can always bring it up in your next confession and ask. That way you will know next time.

 

[Faith1960]

Thank you very much for your kind advice. I unfortunately live in a very rural area and so the only other parishes are in neighboring towns which would make it difficult to walk to and we do not have any mass transits here. (no buses, subways, trains, etc…) I looked up the only other 2 parishes near me that I know of and each mass times started at 11am or noon which would make it impossible for me to make it on time. As I stated before we are a pretty rural area and none of the three parishes offer any evening Sunday masses.

You didn’t sin, it was an honest mistake.

 

[Jennifoo]

Hi there. So I’m trying to understand what you’re saying and I’m confused: there was an annual parish picnic scheduled when the Mass normally takes place. Then when was the Sunday Mass?

 

[queentakesjack]

Thank you all. I feel much better about it now. I am going to try and mention it in my next confession and I’m hoping to be able to go soon. Bless you all.

 

[queentakesjack]

Hi there. So I’m trying to understand what you’re saying and I’m confused: there was an annual parish picnic scheduled when the Mass normally takes place. Then when was the Sunday Mass?

The Sunday Mass was held that Saturday evening and also at 8am. I usually go to our church’s 11am mass because it is easiest for me to get a ride at that time. So they had the 8am mass then they had mass at the parish picnic at the airport. I hope that clarifies things a little bit better.