Callie,
I used to say “ignorance is bliss” because how could you be guilty of a sin which you did not fully understand to be a sin? But once you understand the truth, you cannot deny it.
I used to think of myself as a pretty good Catholic. I made Sunday Mass 48 out of 52 times per year. When I missed I regretted it, but I didn’t realize that I had committed four mortal sins–let alone the sacrilege of continuing to receive (do I get bonus points from the thought police?) communion in an unworthy state. However, having attended Catholic schools ALL my life, how could I have forgotten that it was a sin? I don’t know, but once I realized that and acknowledged it, I knew that I could become a better Catholic. And we have to strive for being Chirstlike in all that we do. SO this was a good start.
Sunday Mass attendance is mandatory. Now you know that. It is not difficult in this day and age to know that even if you are travelling on a Sunday, a Mass is not far away. You need to plan ahead. For example, I was out of town and visiting with a friend in Minneapolis who is not Catholic. I asked him to check the local Catholic Churches for their Mass times so that I could attend. He got back to me and said “there are four Churches within ten minutes drive of my home, plus a Catholic University.” There were literally Masses at every hour of the day on Sunday. And I went.
A few years back my son went to summer boy scout camp in the middle of the wilderness. His troop was sponsored by a Methodist Church, but was effectively secular.
I asked if there were any Catholics that were going to be able to take my son to Mass on Sunday, with the town church about 28 miles away. They said it was not possible but they would have an optional non-demom service. After all, a scout is reverent! I explained this to my son and said missing Mass then was most likely not a mortal sin, but you should talk to Father at confession and explain. Father told him it was a minor sin. But now my son is aware, and he is now 16 and capable of figuring this out for himself. He knows that if I go to early Mass on Sunday, and he wants to sleep in, he is responsible for getting himself to a later Mass.
I hope this was helpful and not confusing. Just remember to go to confession often (monthly at least), ask Father lots of questions (but quickly, there is probably a line behind you!), and make your relationship with God whole through the sacraments.
