Missing Mass due to chronic pain

[Kepha15]

My wife suffers from many physical ailments that leave her in a great deal of pain much of the time. Often, her pain is so great that she feels sitting through an hourlong Mass to be a tremendous burden due to the uncomfortable pews and her lack of ability to move and adjust much. I know that missing Mass on account of a contagious illness is licit, but does this also apply to non-contagious medical conditions?

Also, assuming she would not be required to attend Mass, because this is a chronic condition, would she need to obtain some sort of dispensation to miss Sunday Mass when she is not able to go? To be clear, she does want to attend Mass and does so whenever she feels able, but quite regularly she does not feel up to it.

Any advice is appreciated.

 

[1ke]

does this also apply to non-contagious medical conditions?

Yes, certainly.

would she need to obtain some sort of dispensation to miss Sunday Mass when she is not able to go?

When you are ill, you are ill. No.

Any advice is appreciated.

Is your wife concerned about this? What did your priest say when she talked to him about her situation? About bringing communion to her when she is too ill to attend?

 

[Allegra]

Of course, major discomfort is a valid reason to miss Mass. Do you have a Catholic radio station? You could listen to Mass on the radio, or even online when she can’t make it, and request someone to bring the Eucharist to you. Also, would it make a difference for your wife if she could have exceptional seating in the Mass? There’s a lady in our parish who remains seated in an electric wheelchair during Mass, even though she technically can stand and walk, it’s obviously hard for her to do so. If your wife could sit in a more comfortable seat, would she be able to go?

 

[Myst]

I feel her pain. Until I found a miracle-working doctor I would have to walk in the back of the church all through mass. I couldn’t sit in those awful pews either. Please let her know that I’m praying for her and we can suffer together, haha.

 

[oldgraymare2]

My wife suffers from many physical ailments that leave her in a great deal of pain much of the time. Often, her pain is so great that she feels sitting through an hourlong Mass to be a tremendous burden due to the uncomfortable pews and her lack of ability to move and adjust much. I know that missing Mass on account of a contagious illness is licit, but does this also apply to non-contagious medical conditions?

Also, assuming she would not be required to attend Mass, because this is a chronic condition, would she need to obtain some sort of dispensation to miss Sunday Mass when she is not able to go? To be clear, she does want to attend Mass and does so whenever she feels able, but quite regularly she does not feel up to it.

Any advice is appreciated.

There is good information in 1ke’s post.

If I were your wife, I would give the parish office a call, and ask to speak to the pastor.

She could ask to be put on the home call list, so that she can receive Communion at home if she wants to do that, when she doesn’t feel up to going to Mass.

 

[Irishmom2]

At our parish, weekday masses are only 20-30 mins long. Perhaps attending a shorter weekday mass and having communion brought by a home visit on Sunday might make her feel more like she is attending. I would also get a really comfortable wheelchair, or get to mass early, and bring your own comfortable cushion and/or pillow back and make your pew more comfortable. Sit right up front and the priest can bring communion over to her.

 

[Rosebud77]

OP, bless you!

I finally gave up the struggle re mass-in-person this year and am more fulfilled and prayerful than I have ever been. My immune system is down because of illness and any crowded place is a risk. Learned that the very hard way when I went to my landlord’s oldest’s First Communion. Was ill abed for six weeks

Also I am in constant pain and even a short mass means the same amount of effort…long way also and thus cannot take efffective pain relief.

So i decided. After months of lurking at the back as all the standing, sitting kneeling is now beyond me. Well, I CAN Kneel but the getting up is sheerly embarrassing, The last time I had to stay kneeeling until the cathedral was empty… they must have thought me very holy!!!

Internet Mass is a great blessing and boon. Used TV services for many years when in an isolated place and will do the same after my next move

Can I say thank youo those posting who are so positive…I once left CAF when someone insisted you still go to to mass even in a wheelcahir and wearing an oxygen mask…

Chronic pain and illness are enough of a martyrdom. Adding to suffering knowingly is a dubious matter…pain drains you body and soul.

Off to Killarney Cathedral soon for early Mass then may hi me to Mayo or Dublin later…

 

[Reuben_J]

My wife suffers from many physical ailments that leave her in a great deal of pain much of the time. Often, her pain is so great that she feels sitting through an hourlong Mass to be a tremendous burden due to the uncomfortable pews and her lack of ability to move and adjust much. I know that missing Mass on account of a contagious illness is licit, but does this also apply to non-contagious medical conditions?

Also, assuming she would not be required to attend Mass, because this is a chronic condition, would she need to obtain some sort of dispensation to miss Sunday Mass when she is not able to go? To be clear, she does want to attend Mass and does so whenever she feels able, but quite regularly she does not feel up to it.

Any advice is appreciated.

What a great woman she is. Of course she does not have to if she is not able to go. Many times we have less compelling reason than that not to attend mass. :hug1:

Perhaps you can arrange for an EHMC to give her Communion at home whenever possible.

May God’s love empowers her, gives her comfort and takes away her pain. Amen.

 

[peter26]

Yes it would be acceptable for your wife to miss Mass, and yourself too if you have to look after her. Bear in mind however hat some Masses are longer or shorter than others. You may find an early morning or late afternoon service that is an entirely said Mass and therefore over more quickly. Have a look around, maybe ask people.

 

[MissRose73]

My aunt missed a lot of Masses due to her back pains that at times unable to walk much even with help and sitting in the church chairs for long periods of time. She often had communion brought to her at home too where she was able to lay down or be seated in a special chair or bed. She certainly felt bad but I am sure she would have been there had it not been for the extreme pain. With the surgery she had last December, things have much improved and she continues to improve and her stamina is getting better. Our priest certainly understood and did not say she was to come to Mass even in extreme pain.

I know of a few other parishioners who seldom come due to their health challenges too. They are blessed that their spouse or a friend will bring them Holy Communion, and sometimes the priest will come by to see them too.

 

[Rosebud77]

My aunt missed a lot of Masses due to her back pains that at times unable to walk much even with help and sitting in the church chairs for long periods of time. She often had communion brought to her at home too where she was able to lay down or be seated in a special chair or bed. She certainly felt bad but I am sure she would have been there had it not been for the extreme pain. With the surgery she had last December, things have much improved and she continues to improve and her stamina is getting better. Our priest certainly understood and did not say she was to come to Mass even in extreme pain.

I know of a few other parishioners who seldom come due to their health challenges too. They are blessed that their spouse or a friend will bring them Holy Communion, and sometimes the priest will come by to see them too.

Blessings and thanks for this. I know many such also as well as myself.Living as I do in a very remote area, with a scattered parish and priests so scarce they are rushing around trying to cover several churches, I would to ask a visit either…

 

[Convert_in_99]

My wife suffers from many physical ailments that leave her in a great deal of pain much of the time. Often, her pain is so great that she feels sitting through an hourlong Mass to be a tremendous burden due to the uncomfortable pews and her lack of ability to move and adjust much. I know that missing Mass on account of a contagious illness is licit, but does this also apply to non-contagious medical conditions?

Also, assuming she would not be required to attend Mass, because this is a chronic condition, would she need to obtain some sort of dispensation to miss Sunday Mass when she is not able to go? To be clear, she does want to attend Mass and does so whenever she feels able, but quite regularly she does not feel up to it.

Any advice is appreciated.

Certainly chronic pain (especially severe pain as you mentioned your wife is in) is a perfectly legitimate reason to miss mass. If she has days of less severe pain with medications then she can try to go those days if she can.

Make sure she is receiving the sacraments at home. Weekly (sometimes several times a week!) Communion can be brought to the sick and homebound. Also make sure a priest comes (preferably monthly) to hear her confession and annoint her if need be.

As one who suffers chronic pain herself, I can totally relate with your wife. I wish her healing and consolation during this most difficult time. :hug3: :console: God bless you both!

 

[Horton]

I also have physical conditions that make it difficult to attend Mass some days. I have chronic pain and chronic fatigue. My parish offers two Sunday morning Mass times. I tried to make the early one but have found the later one just works better. There are times when I know there is no way I’m going to make it to Mass and I take comfort in that I can go more often than I can’t. I know there will come a day when it will be the other way around and I will miss going to Mass.

 

[Rosebud77]

I also have physical conditions that make it difficult to attend Mass some days. I have chronic pain and chronic fatigue. My parish offers two Sunday morning Mass times. I tried to make the early one but have found the later one just works better. There are times when I know there is no way I’m going to make it to Mass and I take comfort in that I can go more often than I can’t. I know there will come a day when it will be the other way around and I will miss going to Mass.

Thank you,I had a struggle at first, mostly through others trying to put guilt on me about it. Came through that in prayer.

What we have now is what we have now. Jesus knows this and loves and nurtures us. Thank You Lord…