Missing mass, recovering from pneumonia

[seeker_of_God]

Last Wednesday, I contracted pneumonia. I thought it was the flu at first, but went to the hospital on Friday and they said it is pneumonia.

I’m feeling a lot better now, mostly, but still have a pretty bad cough. I know today is a holy day of obligation, but don’t know if I can miss mass.

If anyone could clarify this issue for me, it’d be much appreciated.

 

[Trishie]

I’m sorry you are sick.

I have to find the quote from the Catechism, but as I recall if you are genuinely ill and cannot go you can have dispensation, and try to go when you can. I think people are required to assess how much a part of the dilemma is really not wanting to go, and how much is being ill. Of course in your case it is the latter but that’s the question to ask oneself. There is also the consideration that if you are coughing and infectious, your coughing might cause others to become ill.

If you cannot go to Mass, 'engage in prayer for an appropriate amount of time personally or in a family" ( ref.2183. Catechism of the Catholic Church.)

If you still can’t decide, maybe give your priest a call.
Please take care of yourself and I hope you get well soon…

 

[Trishie]

Catechism of the Catholic Church.

2181 The Sunday Eucharist is the foundation and confirmation of all Christian practice. For this reason the faithful are obliged to participate in the Eucharist on days of obligation, unless excused for a serious reason (for example, illness…) or dispensed by their own pastor. Those who deliberately fail in this obligation commit a grave siin

 

[maryjk]

The question for me is always, “am I sick enough to stay home from Mass?”

No - if you are planning on going somewhere else. That means, if you are too sick for Mass, you are also too sick to go out to lunch/dinner. If you are too sick for Mass, you would be too sick to go to work or to take the kids to the park. So, if you are doing these types of things, go to Mass.

Yes - if your plan is to stay home all day. If you plan to say in pj’s or sweats, covered up in the bed or couch, you are too sick for Mass. If your coughing would be totally disruptive, to you and to others, you most likely are too sick for Mass.

But that’s just me. I am sure others have a better example.

 

[baltobetsy]

The question for me is always, “am I sick enough to stay home from Mass?”

No - if you are planning on going somewhere else. That means, if you are too sick for Mass, you are also too sick to go out to lunch/dinner. If you are too sick for Mass, you would be too sick to go to work or to take the kids to the park. So, if you are doing these types of things, go to Mass.

Yes - if your plan is to stay home all day. If you plan to say in pj’s or sweats, covered up in the bed or couch, you are too sick for Mass. If your coughing would be totally disruptive, to you and to others, you most likely are too sick for Mass.

But that’s just me. I am sure others have a better example.

My thoughts exactly. Well put.

Betsy

 

[Frankr409]

Last Wednesday, I contracted pneumonia. I thought it was the flu at first, but went to the hospital on Friday and they said it is pneumonia.

I’m feeling a lot better now, mostly, but still have a pretty bad cough. I know today is a holy day of obligation, but don’t know if I can miss mass.

If anyone could clarify this issue for me, it’d be much appreciated.

I hope that you recover soon. Pneumonia is nothing to trifle with for sure, and for your own health, and maybe even the well being of others, it probably is best that you stay home and rest. Be assured that God understands you are not well. Just the fact that you took time to write for clarification on the matter is proof of how seriously you take your obligation to the Church.

Get well soon, I’ll say a prayer for you.