Obligation to talk to my family about going to Mass and mortal sin

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Balaco

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I have genuine intentions of trying to get my family to go to Mass weekly. I have a hard/uncomfortable time speaking with my family about going, as we never really spoke too religiously and my parents are lacking in knowledge about the faith. They are confirmed Roman Catholics.

When I finally brought myself to ask them why we don’t go to Mass weekly, they essentially told me I don’t have to worry about going to Hell for not going to church (which I know is obviously wrong, but I couldn’t bring myself to correct them yet), but they’ll consider taking us.

We did end up going to Mass, my mother thought it was a nice experience, though my father didn’t go as he had no interest. We missed two Sundays after that due to my parents’ schedules (my father works Sundays and my parents made plans on Saturday night, and I didn’t know how to talk them out of them).

I want to be able to help my family grow in the faith and go to Mass and confession, though as I’ve said I’m very uncomfortable speaking with them about it – I have no idea how to. I understand I’m likely obligated to do so as I understand the importance of weekly Mass. Generally I’ve been trying to wait for a good time to further talk to them, but am I committing mortal sin by not talking to them about it as soon as possible? I’m a bit concerned that my judgment of a “good time” to ask them is too lenient, but I also feel like I shouldn’t be obsessing over it every second.

In fact, I just asked my mother a few minutes ago if we could attend Mass this week, but essentially she said we would probably be busy, maybe we could go next week. I pretty much froze up and said okay, as I don’t know how to properly tell her that we need to be going weekly.
 
I think you are a blessing to your family! I would advise to continue doing as you are doing. Be respectful to your parents yet each week gently prodding them to take you to Mass. No arguing, no division, no frustration, just lovingly express your desire that you all go to Sunday Mass. Whatever their decision is, be at peace.

I would also suggest you pray each day that God will soften the hearts of your family and give them a deep love for the Faith & Holy Mother Church.
 
Yep, I’ve been praying that hopefully my parents will be able to gain a better understanding, and that I can obtain the qualities necessary for helping them. Hopefully we’ll be able to go next week.
 
Assuming you are a minor child, you are under obligation to obey your parents. Pray for them, for your family.

If you are a later teenager, perhaps your parents may agree to allow you to attend on your own? Perhaps if you don’t drive or have no public trans, they could drive you, or you could arrange for another parishioner to give you a ride?

Again, assuming you are a child still, the obligation is ON YOUR PARENTS to get you to Mass, not on you. And the failure to do so is on their souls, not yours.
 
fencersmother said:
Assuming you are a minor child, you are under obligation to obey your parents. Pray for them, for your family.

If you are a later teenager, perhaps your parents may agree to allow you to attend on your own? Perhaps if you don’t drive or have no public trans, they could drive you, or you could arrange for another parishioner to give you a ride?

Again, assuming you are a child still, the obligation is ON YOUR PARENTS to get you to Mass, not on you. And the failure to do so is on their souls, not yours.
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Yes, I’m still a minor. It’s a bit of relief to know the obligation isn’t on me, though I hope to be able to talk with them as they genuinely don’t realize the importance.
 
Keep praying. Your love for God and your family is inspiring, and I’m sure God notices. Your priest is probably just a phone call away. He would be able to advise you. He might have some ideas of someone who will take you to mass, or even groups and activities within the parish which might interest your parents. Even if all he can do is pray with you and pray for you, it is awesome to have a priest praying for your family. You might also try talking with your godparents. I will say a prayer for you and your family, and I am sure others here have and will as well.

Pax et bonum
 
fencersmother said:
Assuming you are a minor child, you are under obligation to obey your parents. Pray for them, for your family.

If you are a later teenager, perhaps your parents may agree to allow you to attend on your own? Perhaps if you don’t drive or have no public trans, they could drive you, or you could arrange for another parishioner to give you a ride?

Again, assuming you are a child still, the obligation is ON YOUR PARENTS to get you to Mass, not on you. And the failure to do so is on their souls, not yours.
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Yes.🙂
 
Keep at it! They will literally thank you for eternity if you succeed!
 
Newcalling is right!

I’d forgotten all about your godparents. They, too, have an obligation to make sure you attend Mass and receive the Sacraments.

Would you be able to alert them to the conditions you face? You would still be under an obedience obligation to your parents but as your godparents, they would have the ability, the obligation, to intercede for you, on your behalf, with your parents.
 
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