Question about Mass./Is it a sin

[nerdwriter]

Is it a sin if I watch Mass on EWTN instead of going to an actual mass? I have pretty bad anxiety (on top of what may be becoming chronic fatigue) and the last two times I’ve attempted to go to mass, I’ve had to leave early because of panic attacks. I feel absolute horrible and rude for doing so and always end up in tears on the way home. I should also mention that I’d normally try to go to mass, even if I’d have to leave early, but I will be without transportation this weekend and my parish isn’t nearby. The nearby parish is within walking distance (about 10 minutes or so worth of walking) but I’m really scared that if I go to mass and I get yet another panic attack, I won’t be able to get back home because the anxiety is very debilitating.

 

[Tietjen]

Is it a sin if I watch Mass on EWTN instead of going to an actual mass? I have pretty bad anxiety (on top of what may be becoming chronic fatigue) and the last two times I’ve attempted to go to mass, I’ve had to leave early because of panic attacks. I feel absolute horrible and rude for doing so and always end up in tears on the way home. I should also mention that I’d normally try to go to mass, even if I’d have to leave early, but I will be without transportation this weekend and my parish isn’t nearby. The nearby parish is within walking distance (about 10 minutes or so worth of walking) but I’m really scared that if I go to mass and I get yet another panic attack, I won’t be able to get back home because the anxiety is very debilitating.

Normally we are not permitted to substitute EWTN Mass for actually attending Mass on Sunday or HDO. However, there may be just reasons for not attending a Mass. Illness, extreme weather (not simply a rainy day), required work (some professions like Police Officer or hospital staff) which prohibits you from attending due to long hours during the normal Mass times, lack of transportation, etc. You mentioned that you suffer from extreme panic attacks. This MAY be a circumstance which lessens your culpability. I would speak to your parish priest about the situation. It IS very important to attend Mass as often as possible however, and if there is medication or other means that you could use to control the condition, you really should do so. God bless you and welcome to the forums!!! :extrahappy:

 

[blessedtoo]

I have a chronic, painful and debilitating condition which prevents me from getting to Mass regularly. There are weeks at a time when I am doing well and manage beautifully. Other times, like in the last few months, it is impossible to manage the pain and anxiety and like you, I’ve had to run out of many a Mass and the result of this is often days of recovery.

Two suggestions I can offer: definitely watch the Mass on Sunday if you simply can’t manage to go.
Check with your Parish and see if you can have the Eucharist brought to you on those days when you are incapacitated.

As an aside, there are many effective treatments for anxiety. You might want to consult with your doctor on the best way to manage this condition.

God bless.

 

[nerdwriter]

Thank you both for your replies.

Unfortunately, I’ve experienced bad side effects to most anxiety medication so doctors won’t prescribe any to me because of how sensitive I am to it. I am in counseling but counseling will take weeks (possibly months) until I start seeing some results. Hopefully I will get enough strength to make it through a full mass someday soon.

 

[teachccd]

I suffer with panic attacks and fortunately medication does keep it at bay. Do not beat yourself up over this. God knows your heart and your willingness to attend Mass. A panic attack robs you from life. It is a feeling of doom and while one is experiencing this he or she cannot function. That is an illness and we are not obligated to attend Mass when we are ill. You are taking all of the appropriate measures to minimize these events and God knows that. I am one who fervently advocates Mass attendance but I also know that I would rather go to Mass 1000 times than suffer one panic attack. My prayers are with you. Keep me in yours…God bless…teachccd

 

[demolitionman65]

Given how anxiety is preventing you from going to Mass, I would say the only culpability for you is if you have not advised your local parish so that they could make a home visit to you and provide the Eucharist to you as they normally would in their ministry to the sick.

 

[nerdwriter]

Given how anxiety is preventing you from going to Mass, I would say the only culpability for you is if you have not advised your local parish so that they could make a home visit to you and provide the Eucharist to you as they normally would in their ministry to the sick.

Actually, I have told the parish priest (when I’ve gone to confessions) and he just tells me to try to make it to mass and to be in mass for as long as I can. He’s known for months of how sick I’ve gotten but has never mentioned making a home visit to provide the Eucharist.

 

[blessedtoo]

Actually, I have told the parish priest (when I’ve gone to confessions) and he just tells me to try to make it to mass and to be in mass for as long as I can. He’s known for months of how sick I’ve gotten but has never mentioned making a home visit to provide the Eucharist.

Nor has mine, even though he knows how often I must miss Mass since I include it in all my Confessions. Don’t wait for the priest to take the initiative. It is up to you to protect and nurture your relationship with Christ and that will suffer if you continuously miss receiving the Eucharist. I don’t think Confession is the time or place to discuss this with your priest. You can call the Parish office and ask the receptionist how to have a home visit arranged.

Good luck.

 

[nerdwriter]

Nor has mine, even though he knows how often I must miss Mass since I include it in all my Confessions. Don’t wait for the priest to take the initiative. It is up to you to protect and nurture your relationship with Christ and that will suffer if you continuously miss receiving the Eucharist. I don’t think Confession is the time or place to discuss this with your priest. You can call the Parish office and ask the receptionist how to have a home visit arranged.

Good luck.

I will call before this weekend and see if it can be arranged. Thank you for the tip.

 

[baltobetsy]

Nor has mine, even though he knows how often I must miss Mass since I include it in all my Confessions. Don’t wait for the priest to take the initiative.

The priest cannot take the initiative based on what you tell him in Confession. That would be breaking the seal. You must ask for what you need outside of the actual Confession for him to be able to act on it. Most likely a call to the office is all you need.

Betsy

 

[Mintaka]

You know, a lot of forms of prayer and contemplation are also teachers of calm. You might want to try saying and meditating upon the Rosary regularly, or maybe listening to one of the Liturgy of the Hours podcasts, or saying a litany.

But yeah, don’t beat yourself up about not being able to go to Mass. An anxiety attack is a real attack of illness.

 

[ForMary]

(CCC 1246-48) discusses the third obligation as Catholics (to attend Sunday Mass and Mass on all Hoy Days of obligation) UNLESS among other things one is impeded by illness, which it seems you are.

I would encourage you to seek an Extraordinary Minister to bring communion to you. Many parishes offer a homebound program.

My prayers are with you.

 

[nerdwriter]

(CCC 1246-48) discusses the third obligation as Catholics (to attend Sunday Mass and Mass on all Hoy Days of obligation) UNLESS among other things one is impeded by illness, which it seems you are.

I would encourage you to seek an Extraordinary Minister to bring communion to you. Many parishes offer a homebound program.

My prayers are with you.

Thank you. I will attempt to attend Mass tomorrow and if I wake up sick again tomorrow (I have all week), I will call and see if I can have communion brought to me.

 

[holdencaulfield]

Is it a sin if I watch Mass on EWTN instead of going to an actual mass? I have pretty bad anxiety (on top of what may be becoming chronic fatigue) and the last two times I’ve attempted to go to mass, I’ve had to leave early because of panic attacks. I feel absolute horrible and rude for doing so and always end up in tears on the way home. I should also mention that I’d normally try to go to mass, even if I’d have to leave early, but I will be without transportation this weekend and my parish isn’t nearby. The nearby parish is within walking distance (about 10 minutes or so worth of walking) but I’m really scared that if I go to mass and I get yet another panic attack, I won’t be able to get back home because the anxiety is very debilitating.

Honestly I know exactly how you feel because I too struggle with Panic Anxiety. I would say no it isn’t because you have a health concern. Also are you receiving help for it.

 

[drafdog]

I’ve said this on this forum before and I’ll say it again: God does not expect perfection from us. He expects our best effort. Our best varies from day to day and sometimes hour to hour. If you can’t manage the stress of going to Mass at your local parish, watch the TV broadcast. Make some arrangement with the parish to have someone bring Eucharist. Bad enough when we can’t be there in person for the Mass; worse still if we are cut off from the Sacrament. Don’t let that happen.

Matthew