Mortal sin not to take my Protestant kids to mass?

[Lucy_1]

Hi I just came into the Church at Easter. I was just doing an examination of conscience before I went to bed tonight when it occurred to me that it might be a mortal sin for me not to bring my kids to Mass. I’m married to a Protestant who doesn’t mind if I bring the kids to Mass, although he has not consented to them going through RCIA. Am I in mortal sin if I don’t bring them to Mass every Sunday and on Holy days?

 

[Gorgias]

Catholics are obliged to attend Mass on Sundays and holydays of obligation. Non-Catholics are not.

In addition, you (as a Catholic parent) are responsible for the proper education of your children. From what you write, it seems that you are working toward bringing your children to the Church. Their regular attendance at Mass will help; but I’m sure you will make that happen as you continue to open their hearts and minds to the truth of the Church. Just by virtue of your personal example, by getting yourself to Mass each week, you’re going to be doing exactly that! Keep attentive – the interest that you pique in them will be a great opportunity to suggest that they join you each week!

In short… no, it’s not a mortal sin if your children don’t attend Mass every week. That doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t be moving in that direction, though…!

 

[mab23]

Mortal sin - NO , good idea yes

 

[Edmundus1581]

A good question, and two very good answers. I just want to add my to both answers

Particularly this…

Catholics are obliged to attend Mass on Sundays and holydays of obligation. Non-Catholics are not.

That is the end of your formal obligation in the matter.

The first time you really think that you have “sinned” in this, and attempt to “confess” it, your confessor will (probably) clear it up for you. Just make sure that you tell him the background, rather than simply “I have not encouraged my children to attend Mass”, which would be a sin for a Catholic parent of Catholic children.

 

[Edmundus1581]

Hi I just came into the Church at Easter.** I was just doing an examination of conscience before I went to bed tonight **when it occurred to me that it might be a mortal sin for me not to bring my kids to Mass. I’m married to a Protestant who doesn’t mind if I bring the kids to Mass, although he has not consented to them going through RCIA. Am I in mortal sin if I don’t bring them to Mass every Sunday and on Holy days?

I assume that you are referring to one of the published examinations of conscience? Good for you! Just be aware that these documents, as worthy as they are, are just informal guidelines with no canonical standing. You may need to make some, or even many, adjustments for your personal circumstances. eg. “Not attend to taking my children to Mass?” (from here) varies between mortal sin, and no sin, depending on one’s circumstances.

 

[constantconvert]

I assume that you are referring to one of the published examinations of conscience? Good for you! Just be aware that these documents, as worthy as they are, are just informal guidelines with no canonical standing. You may need to make some, or even many, adjustments for your personal circumstances. eg. “Not attend to taking my children to Mass?” (from here) varies between mortal sin, and no sin, depending on one’s circumstances.

Yes, it was one of the published guides. I know they may not apply to me, which is why I wanted to double check here with people who know a lot more than I do.

Thanks for your (name removed by moderator)ut, everyone!

 

[Lucy_1]

I assume that you are referring to one of the published examinations of conscience? Good for you! Just be aware that these documents, as worthy as they are, are just informal guidelines with no canonical standing. You may need to make some, or even many, adjustments for your personal circumstances. eg. “Not attend to taking my children to Mass?” (from here) varies between mortal sin, and no sin, depending on one’s circumstances.

Yes, it was a published guide. Thanks, I know I will have to adjust them-- that’s why I wanted to check here with people who know a lot more than I do.

Thank you everyone for your help. By God’s grace, someday my whole family will be received into the church

 

[Glad_Convert]

By God’s grace, someday my whole family will be received into the church

Sheryl, take heart! The Lord hears your prayers! I converted seven years ago and am thrilled to say that my husband was received into the Church at Easter Vigil. Our oldest son received his first Holy Communion the following Sunday! Praise God! I will pray for you and your family!

 

[comfort1st]

Pax Sheryl,

I find it interesting to hear people say they are obliged to go to Mass every Sunday and on certain Holy Days.

Our relationship with God is an intensely personal one. If we have a deep sense of commitment to that relationship there will be no need for someone to say we are obliged to go: it will be an automatic response to our love of God. Going to church because the church says we MUST go is a poor reflection of the way our relationship with God is developing.

Leading by example is always the best way to show your love of God so please continue to do that. However, please don’t believe that anyone, or any denomination, has all the answers. We are human, and we fail to reflect the glory of God. We see through the glass darkly, and often misinterpret what we see or hear. You didn’t indicate if your children attend another church so I’m not sure if they are already regular attendees.My children have always (from before birth) been to church every Sunday possible, and most of the major days in the year, and they have participated in study groups and guided reflection on scripture which my training prepared my to lead. They both have intense relationships with God, and that leads them to ask questions few clergy can answer adequately.

If your faith journey takes you along the Roman Catholic line then enjoy it, and learn from it, but if your children feel that one of the non-Catholic churches helps them to develop that personal relationship better then please encourage them along their own path to God. Your own faith is likely to grow as a result of their questions.

God bless
Steven