Problem with Good Friday

[maryelizabeth1]

Hi everyone,

My mom is having surgery on Good Friday which means I might not be able to go to mass that day. Although it is important for her to have her surgery I can’t help but feel disappointed about possibly missing mass.

My question is if I’m not able to attend mass on Good Friday would it be a sin?

Thanks in advance and please pray for my mother that she may be healthy and recover quickly!

God Bless,

Maryelizabeth

 

[NicPais83]

Actually, as a rule, there is no celebration of the Mass on Good Friday or Holy Saturday (unless you count the Easter Vigil). I do not believe there is a requirement to attend the Good Friday service (sometimes called the “Mass” of the Presanctified, but still not a Mass). Even if there was a requirement, surgery or another such serious matter, like a massive blizzard, would be a valid reason for not making it to Mass on a Sunday or Holy Day of Obligation, since the intention wasn’t to avoid going to Mass. God certainly understands the situation.

 

[Guitar]

Sorry to hear about your mother - I hope the surgery goes well for her and that she recovers quickly.

Apologies if I sound nit-picky - the Commemoration of the Lord’s Passion on Good Friday isn’t Mass. There is no consecration - extra hosts are consecrated for it at the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday. Masses are prohibited on Good Friday.

Good Friday isn’t a holy day of obligation. Even if it were, if I understand correctly, a priest can give dispensation from the obligation to attend Mass on a Sunday or holy day of obligation if you have a good reason that you know about in advance. If something crops up at short notice that makes it difficult to get to Mass, you are not expected to do the impossible or the imprudent to get there at all costs.

 

[benedictgal]

Hi everyone,

My mom is having surgery on Good Friday which means I might not be able to go to mass that day. Although it is important for her to have her surgery I can’t help but feel disappointed about possibly missing mass.

My question is if I’m not able to attend mass on Good Friday would it be a sin?

Thanks in advance and please pray for my mother that she may be healthy and recover quickly!

God Bless,

Maryelizabeth

First of all, the Church does not celebrate Mass on Good Friday. This comes from an ancient tradition.

Maryelizabeth, you need to be with your mother. If you can, get hold of a copy of Magnificat or a daily Roman Missal where you can pray the readings while your mom is in surgery. Meditate on the Passion of Our Lord according to St. John.

Now, depending on the circumstances, the hospital may have a chapel. Our corporate hospital has one. If that is the case, you might check and see if they have Good Friday services. While your mom is in recovery, you might be able to attend. Perhaps, depending on the type of procedure your mother will undergo (and the doctor’s orders), you might be able to have a priest or an EMHC bring Holy Communion to her.

The Lord definitely understands. You are doing a corporal work of Mercy on the day when Mercy poured out in abundance.

 

[maryelizabeth1]

Thank you guys for responding to my question. I was thinking fast when I wrote the message and later realized that I didn’t mean actual mass. I meant stations of the cross, divine liturgy etc. I do have a copy of Magnifcat that I will being taking with along with my rosary, of course.

I do believe the hospital we will be at does have a chapel if I’m able to I will see what they are offering that day.

Thank you for your advice I feel a little better about the situation now.

Thanks,

 

[bpbasilphx]

My mom is having surgery on Good Friday which means I might not be able to go to mass that day. Although it is important for her to have her surgery I can’t help but feel disappointed about possibly missing mass.

Nobody goes to Mass on Good Friday. It’s not celebrated. Period.

 

[pete_29]

Thank you guys for responding to my question. I was thinking fast when I wrote the message and later realized that I didn’t mean actual mass. I meant stations of the cross, divine liturgy etc. I do have a copy of Magnifcat that I will being taking with along with my rosary, of course.

I do believe the hospital we will be at does have a chapel if I’m able to I will see what they are offering that day.

Thank you for your advice I feel a little better about the situation now.

Thanks,

I pray everything goes well.

 

[thistle]

Hi everyone,

My mom is having surgery on Good Friday which means I might not be able to go to mass that day. Although it is important for her to have her surgery I can’t help but feel disappointed about possibly missing mass.

My question is if I’m not able to attend mass on Good Friday would it be a sin?

Thanks in advance and please pray for my mother that she may be healthy and recover quickly!

God Bless,

Maryelizabeth

There is no Mass on Good Friday and it is also not a Holy Day of Obligation.

 

[japhy]

Hey, I’m pretty sure the OP has already found out it’s not a Mass.