Not Attending Mass, a Sin?

[MGLechner]

Why does it need to be in Scripture?

You’re right! Let’s lean on “tradition” when we can’t validate it from scripture. All that stuff about the scriptures being “God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction and training in righteousness…” [2 Timothy 3.16] justs gets in the way of man-made laws!

It seems to me that the Catholic Church will find any and all reasons to keep their parishoners in a state of upset and uncertainty. Where’s the Grace, man?!?

By the way, 2 Timothy 3.16…coincidence or divine inspiration???

 

[agangbern]

2 Tim 3:16 says, “All Scripture is inspired by God and useful for teaching, for reproving, for correcting, for instructing in justice; that the man of God may be perfect, equipped for every good work.”

We can notice that it says, “All Scripture…” It does not say, “Bible alone…”

When Paul wrote 2 Tim 3:16, certainly there was no 2 Tim 3:16 as yet. What then was he referring when he said “All Scripture…”?

 

[MGLechner]

2 Tim 3:16 says, “All Scripture is inspired by God and useful for teaching, for reproving, for correcting, for instructing in justice; that the man of God may be perfect, equipped for every good work.”

We can notice that it says, “All Scripture…” It does not say, “Bible alone…”

When Paul wrote 2 Tim 3:16, certainly there was no 2 Tim 3:16 as yet. What then was he referring when he said “All Scripture…”?

Are you equating “scripture” with "tradition? And vice versa…
By the way, the “scripture” Paul (for the sake of argument) was refering to was the Torah/Tanakh (what we Christians erroneously refer to as the “Old Testament” for crying out loud)!

Of course, this muddys the waters…for then we can only regard the Torah/Tanakh as inspired scripture…which is what the Jews have been saying for centuries!

One also has to ask the question: Did Paul think he was writing scripture when he was penning his missives?

 

[st_felicity]

Are you equating “scripture” with "tradition? And vice versa…

They stand on equal footing–and that is scriptural.
2Thes.2
15] So then, brethren, stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught by us, either by word of mouth or by letter.

One also has to ask the question: Did Paul think he was writing scripture when he was penning his missives?

What Paul “thought” is irrelevant to what the Holy Spirit INSPIRED.

 

[Church_Militant]

If you have a primo tee time on Sunday, one is perfectly well within his/her meeting the Sunday Obligation by attending a Saturday evening Mass.

Yeah! What he said!

(BTW, Scott!
Where the heck have you been?!!):clapping::clapping::clapping:

 

[DavidFilmer]

Thanks David. Home is such a beautiful place to be. I was a 41 year member of the Anglican Church. And, home is where my heart led me.

I was also “Anglican” before my Conversion. Not Church of England “Anglican,” but “traditional” US “Anglican” (ie, 1928 BCP). I was a member of this Charlotte, NC parish for several years:
stmichaelsanglican.org/index.html
One of the most difficult things I have ever done was to leave this parish, because I had grown so fond of the many dear people there (and I was also rather attached to the solemn and reverent ceremonies of traditional Anglican worship). But, eventually, Truth won the day. And, although I miss my dear friends, and I also miss some of the “trappings” of traditional Anglican worship, I have always rejoiced in my Conversion, and have never regretted it for a single minute. I lost much in my Conversion, but I gained so much more.

 

[BootCampJr]

I left the Anglican church for two reasons. 1st and foremost, the parish didn’t seem all that committed to keeping one priest on board for any great length of time. We have had 4 priests in the 10 years that I was a member. Secondly, all the divisions within the Anglican communion worldwide has led to me to believe that there was too much instability within the Church to keep my existence as a member of the Church. I was invited by one of my member’s wives to attend one Mass at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, and I fell in love the first minute I got there. I met with the priest prior to my 1st Mass, and he asked me all types of questions regarding my faith, and made certain that I was feeling coerced in any way, shape, form, or fashion. Although he told me that it wasn’t necessary for me to attend RCIA, I told him that I wanted to so that it would be fair to those others that have converted and will convert, and also because I wanted to learn as much as I could about the Catholic way of life. I have been very actively involved, and even created a website for the parish. You are welcome to take a look if you’d like. Thank you for your replies, and your keen interest in this post.

www.ourladyofmtcarmelherrin.com

 

[tobinatorstark]

It def is a sin unless a valid excuse.

 

[Scott_Lafrance]

Yeah! What he said!

(BTW, Scott!
Where the heck have you been?!!):clapping::clapping::clapping:

Mike!

Well, after surviving the “Great Event” this past Tuesday, I figured it would be good for my soul to get back to living and sharing my faith while it is still not considered a hate crime.

Other than that, everything is ducky. Drop me a line so we can catch up.

 

[Light_Seeker]

If a person truly understands what is going on at Mass, and what they are receiving, our Masses would be standing room only every day of the week.

Mass is not an obligation. Mass is a privlage.

BootCampJr, welcome home!

 

[TobyLue]

You’re right! Let’s lean on “tradition” when we can’t validate it from scripture. All that stuff about the scriptures being “God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction and training in righteousness…” [2 Timothy 3.16] justs gets in the way of man-made laws!

WHOOO boy, here we go again with the “man-made” laws. Scripture and Tradition (notice the Capital “T”) go hand in hand. You realize of course there would be no Bible as we have it today but for Tradition.
You identify yourself as “Catholic”, is this what they teach at your parish that the requirement to attend Mass on Sundays and all Holy Days of Obligation is simply a “man-made” law? If that’s what your priest says then his Bishop needs to have a long, long talk with him.
Many people think so little of going to Mass to “give” to God. They will make up hundreds of excuses why they cant go. But, to miss tee-time… heaven forbid!!!

 

[Halos1n2Horns]

I was told when I was in RCIA that its a mortal sin to miss mass.
The reason for it you have to have community, and you have to have the word of god proclaimed in your life , This is why they call it a mortal sin. It’s also a holy day of obligation. Every Sunday and those days of holy day of obligation. ( usually Thursays).

I miss mass alot in the winter, But my priest excuses me because I have a specially challenged young adult, who’s ammune system is different then mine. Jesus doesn’t hold it against me for not being there and my Priest knows if i can be there I will be.

But I attend day masses as well, I was told this can take the place of not being able to go to mass on Sunday’s.

We only miss mass when its cold out side considering I live in a cold winter state. And we walk to church. So I would say its really up to the Priest as what is valid and whats not.

May Jesus continue to Bless you on your journey and welcome to the Catholic faithful community. Halos

 

[LilyM]

I was told when I was in RCIA that its a mortal sin to miss mass.
The reason for it you have to have community, and you have to have the word of god proclaimed in your life , This is why they call it a mortal sin. It’s also a holy day of obligation. Every Sunday and those days of holy day of obligation. ( usually Thursays).

I miss mass alot in the winter, But my priest excuses me because I have a specially challenged young adult, who’s ammune system is different then mine. Jesus doesn’t hold it against me for not being there and my Priest knows if i can be there I will be.

But I attend day masses as well, I was told this can take the place of not being able to go to mass on Sunday’s.

We only miss mass when its cold out side considering I live in a cold winter state. And we walk to church. So I would say its really up to the Priest as what is valid and whats not.

May Jesus continue to Bless you on your journey and welcome to the Catholic faithful community. Halos

If you genuinely can’t get to Mass on a Sunday - whether for reasons of necessary work, health, weather preventing or whatever - nothing takes its place. What happens is the obligation ceases to exist. Of course it’s a wonderful thing, and a great way of expressing your love of Our Lord in the Eucharist, to attend a weekday Mass if Sunday is a can’t-do.

Another thing you can do, if you know beforehand that you’ll be travelling or something and might not make it to Sunday Mass, is ask your pastor for a dispensation.

 

[sodak]

You’re right! Let’s lean on “tradition” when we can’t validate it from scripture. All that stuff about the scriptures being “God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction and training in righteousness…” [2 Timothy 3.16] justs gets in the way of man-made laws!

It seems to me that the Catholic Church will find any and all reasons to keep their parishoners in a state of upset and uncertainty. Where’s the Grace, man?!?

By the way, 2 Timothy 3.16…coincidence or divine inspiration???

For all your bluster and re-direction, you didn’t answer my question, and it wasn’t rhetorical. So I’ll repeat it, it’s a simple question.

Why does it need to be in Scripture?

 

[MGLechner]

For all your bluster and re-direction, you didn’t answer my question, and it wasn’t rhetorical. So I’ll repeat it, it’s a simple question.

Why does it need to be in Scripture?

Well, you may be right. I will rethink my position and get back to you.

 

[MGLechner]

WHOOO boy, here we go again with the “man-made” laws. Scripture and Tradition (notice the Capital “T”) go hand in hand. You realize of course there would be no Bible as we have it today but for Tradition.
You identify yourself as “Catholic”, is this what they teach at your parish that the requirement to attend Mass on Sundays and all Holy Days of Obligation is simply a “man-made” law? If that’s what your priest says then his Bishop needs to have a long, long talk with him.
Many people think so little of going to Mass to “give” to God. They will make up hundreds of excuses why they cant go. But, to miss tee-time… heaven forbid!!!

I feel the sting of your rebuke…and I thank you for it. I must admit that I have struggled with my Catholic faith for some time now. Many questions have crept in which have produced doubts about some of the dogmas of the Church. I guess one of the reasons I joined this community forum is because I know that there are people on this board who are staunch defenders of the See of Rome. How will I be brought to a right understanding of these things if I do not ask questions in such a way as to be challenged in my doubts? I am certainly open/willing to be corrected. I do not want to leave the fold. And you are correct, my priest is considered progressive…some would even say liberal, but I don’t think even he would say it is good to stay away from Mass. I receive with gratitude your rebuke. I have a lot of work to do to get back to a right-headed view of Catholicism. I need to be guided in the right direction. I mean that with all honesty. Thank you for your candor. Pray for me! MGL

 

[MGLechner]

For all your bluster and re-direction, you didn’t answer my question, and it wasn’t rhetorical. So I’ll repeat it, it’s a simple question.

Why does it need to be in Scripture?

I honestly can’t answer your question. I do know that Judaism and Orthodoxy are also steeped in Tradition. I have many questions about the Catholic faith…I am hoping that this forum can help to supply some answers to my doubts and questions.

Work with me. Help me. Guide me. Pray for me. Thanks.

In my introductory note when I first signed on with the Catholic Answers Forum, I admitted that I have struggled with my faith…and even though it sounds contradictory, I do believe that the Catholic Church is the True Church! In other words, it was the Church founded by Jesus on the Confession of St. Peter. I just struggle with some of the rules, obligations and dogmas of the Church…and so do many other Catholic Christians. I wish I was one of those who has never doubted by faith…but I can’t say that. That would be dishonest. That is why I need your prayers and your willingness to give me the direction I need so that I can dispell my doubts and questions. Thank you!

 

[jmcrae]

I am new to the Catholic Church, and am set for completing RCIA at this year’s Easter Vigil. All my studies, and certainly the things taught in RCIA, indicate that not attending Mass is sinful behavior. I’m curious, why is it that many people in my parish habitually miss Mass and consider it to be anything but sin? I came across a woman today from work, who happened to mention that she attends the same parish that I have been attending. I indicated that I haven’t seen her there, but dismissed it as she possibly went to another service (Saturday night, or Sunday at 8). She mentioned that she rarely went, and indicated that she usually plays golf on Sundays, and misses Mass frequently. I was quite put off by this, as I thought it was the faithful duty of a Catholic to never miss a Mass, unless of course, something prevented them from attending (legitimate reason). Your (name removed by moderator)ut would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for the time and consideration to reply to this post.

While this is certainly disturbing, you should bear in mind that you are responsible to Jesus for your own behaviour, and not the behaviour of others. Also, the fact that some people seem to be “getting away with” a less than minimal practice of their professed faith in this life, there is the Judgement Day to consider, as well.

If you encounter this woman again, you might gently remind her (without getting into an argument) that the teaching of the Church is that we are to attend Mass every Sunday and every Holy Day of Obligation - if the subject arises naturally. You are not her teacher, her parent, or her priest, so anything more than that would be “above your pay grade.” But a gentle reminder under appropriate circumstances wouldn’t hurt anything.

 

[MGLechner]

I wish I was one of those who has never doubted by faith…but I can’t say that. That would be dishonest.

Correction: What I meant to write was, “I wish I was one of those who have never doubted HIS faith…”

That is what I meant to write. That is what I should have written. I have said it before, I will say it again, I do not like typos!

 

[PatrickJT914]

I have doubts and questions as well. Remember Thomas? Unless he saw the actual marks of Jesus and put his hand/finger(s) into them, he would not believe. Jesus said, blessed are those who see, but how more blessed are those who have not seen, but still believe. We should take comfort in that. Even some of the great saints had doubts. The problem lies in not founding out the answers. Pray for guidance, try and be patient, sometimes the answers don’t come right away, it might take awhile. Sometimes when you least expect it, BOOM it hits you. A moment of AHA! A revelation. You understand.

It must be nice to never have a doubt. To be understand so clearly from the beginning. To know all the mysteries.