Questioning additional reasoning on why it is a mortal sin to miss mass

[Reyesmrivera]

I understand why not going to mass is a sin. My priest explained it to me the various reasons why.

My question is more geared towards the business standpoint of the catholic organization.

My question is… Does the Catholic Church “ALSO” state that it is a mortal sin not to go church to try to earn a profit from potential offerings?

I ask this question because in the past (to my understanding according to my highschool education) I was taught that the Catholic Church in the past used to make people pay money to get their loved ones out of purgatory (which was on of the reasons which sparked the Protestant Reformation). I understand they stopped this corruption.

Please let me know if you need any clarifications on my question.. I understand if it make be hard to understand.

I am Catholic and I don’t mean to offend anyone. I am questioning a lot about the business stand point of the church, not necessarily the moral stand point.

At the end of the day, the Catholic church is a non profit organization and although it’s main focus isn’t earning a profit, they need a profit to remain open.

 

[po18guy]

I think that such a view, if ingrained, would tend to be rather mercenary. There are 5 precepts of the Catholic faith. Only 5. Here they are, and kindly note that support of the Church and its mission - the last of the precepts - should not have to be a requirement, but sadly must be.

In order to nourish the moral and liturgical life of the Body of Christ, Mother Church has established five positive laws, decreed by the pastoral authorities, which are meant to identify the minimum spiritual commitment required of the faithful. These five laws are known as The Precepts of the Church and are found in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, citations 2041-43.

1. “You shall attend Mass on Sundays and on holy days of obligation and rest from servile labor.” The faithful are required to attend the celebration of the Eucharist every Lord’s Day (Saturday vigil or Sunday Mass) and the holy days of obligation as established in the liturgical calendar, unless excused for a serious reason [i.e. illness or the care of infants]. CCC 1388-9, 2042, 2043, 2177, 2180, 2185; 2187-8; 2192-3.
2. “You shall confess your sins at least once a year.” CCC 1457; 2042
3. “You shall receive the sacrament of the Eucharist at least during the Easter season.” CCC 1389; 2042
4. “You shall observe the prescribed days of fasting and abstinence established by the Church.” CCC 2043; 2177
5. “You shall help to provide for the needs of the Church, each according to his own ability.” CCC 1351; 1387; 1438; 2043

CCC# 2177: The Sunday celebration of the Lord’s Day and his Eucharist is the heart of the Church’s life. “Sunday is the day on which the paschal mystery celebrated in light of the apostolic tradition and is to be observed as the foremost holy day of obligation in the universal Church” [quotation from Canon Law: Codex Iuris Canonici, can.1246, art. 1].

 

[Francisco_Fernando]

I also have questions on whether it is mortal to be like 2-5 minutes late for mass. The Fr. Altier and Redemptorist Examination of Conscience say different things.

 

[JerryZ]

The reason why missing mass on the days of obbligation has 100% to do about giving GOD what we owe HIM.
Mass is the equivalent but much more important sacrifice that was offered by the High Priest in the Temple of Jerusalem when they slain animals. Back then the blood of the animals were burnt on the Altar.
Today and since Jesus instituted the Eucharist we offer the unbloody sacrifice of Himself.
No more killing required but we offer the real blood and real body of Jesus Himself at every mass but specially on days of obbligation when the faithful convene at church to participate in that sacrifice.
Yes we offer our support for the running of our Church through our monetary contributions but that is NOT the principal motive why we are there,
Peace!

 

[1ke]

Does the Catholic Church “ALSO” state that it is a mortal sin not to go church to try to earn a profit from potential offerings?

That’s hilarious.

I ask this question because in the past (to my understanding according to my highschool education) I was taught that the Catholic Church in the past used to make people pay money to get their loved ones out of purgatory

You should ask for your money back on your high school education.

am questioning a lot about the business stand point of the church

The Church is not a business.

 

[puer.dei]

in the past (to my understanding according to my highschool education) I was taught that the Catholic Church in the past used to make people pay money to get their loved ones out of purgatory

That is not true. I do hope this wasn’t a Catholic high school.

Does the Catholic Church “ALSO” state that it is a mortal sin not to go church to try to earn a profit from potential offerings?

Since no one is required to give money every time they attend Mass, how would that work?

 

[Zaccheus]

@ The OP:
No, the Church does not require Mass attendance in order to get money.
The abusive practice you mention (and it was an abuse) happened about eight or nine centuries ago, and was ended by the Church at that time.

Bolding in the following quote is mine.

At the end of the day, the Catholic church is a non profit organization and although it’s main focus isn’t earning a profit, they need a profit to remain open.

You contradict yourself.

 

[Elf01]

Since no one is required to give money every time they attend Mass, how would that work?

Most people will give something. There is certainly a better chance of getting money out of someone when they are there.

 

[po18guy]

The Church is in need of charity - love. Love is sacrifice. The Church does not make a profit - she needs operating funds. She needs to provide for the poor, sick and starving.

“Who do you love?”
-Bo Diddely.

For those who are able to attend, missing mass means that you love the world more than your love God. Action speaks louder than words. Is that a good message? Is that a good thing?

 

[Zaccheus]

Most people will give something.

That doesn’t mean the purpose of Mass is to get money. Nor does it mean that anyone is coerced or pressured to give.

There is certainly a better chance of getting money out of someone when they are there.

There’s a better chance that I’ll give a handout to a panhandler if I shop at locations where panhandlers hang out. Does that mean the purpose of the store is to feed panhandlers?

 

[InThePew]

Fundamentally, attending mass is about growth in our relationship with God - particularly (although not just) through reception of the eucharist - to become like Him. Is there a financial aspect? Sure; there’s an obvious connection between the number of people at mass and the amount my parish receives in the collection. We need to pay the bills to keep the lights on, the sacristy cupboard stocked and pay my (modest) stipend (if I went into priesthood for the money I’d be pretty disappointed by now). I’d also add that we collect food for the foodbank as well as money!

Of course, we don’t just want to break even, it’s important to have money aside in case of unforeseen expenses but, besides this, development is important too. At the same time, the Catholic Church is actually a lot less money-driven than other denominations, in part because of its professional (and celibate) clergy but also because its size enables wealthier parishes to support poorer ones. If simply making money for the sake of it (in other words, greed) was the aim then this would certainly be sinful. However, simply making a profit by itself is morally neutral; what matters is the purposes to which that profit is put.

I ask this question because in the past (to my understanding according to my highschool education) I was taught that the Catholic Church in the past used to make people pay money to get their loved ones out of purgatory (which was on of the reasons which sparked the Protestant Reformation).

This was never an “official” teaching but it certainly did happen - albeit some 500 years ago. It’s partly because of this experience that there are now strict rules around donations and money received for things like mas intentions.

 

[TheLittleLady]

Only thing I’d add to this is Scripture. Where your treasure is there will your heart be.

 

[Reyesmrivera]

It was not a catholic school but I learned it from an ap world history class which also taught world religions.

 

[Reyesmrivera]

I apologize if you didn’t understand how I wrote that. (I’m not the best at explaining)
What I meant was a nonprofit organization doesn’t have a set goal on earning money. But in order to operate and pay rent and do things such as give back to the organization it needs money.

Thank you for answering my question, I appreciate it.

 

[Reyesmrivera]

Thank you for answering this… it has helped me a lot!!

 

[Canvas]

I believe Martin Luther suffered from severe scrupulosity and he was trying to escape it.

 

[Reyesmrivera]

Now I have an additional question…
I have asked my priest this but I would like another set of eyes…

I am catholic (by the way)
I asked my priest why it was a sin to miss mass and he told me because I need to take communion and listen to the readings and I understand that.
However, I don’t go to mass because I don’t understand the readings or the homily. I don’t know if its an intellectual thing or what but I don’t understand. Which is the main reason why I don’t go because I have trouble understanding and I don’t see the point in going if I don’t understand what I’m hearing.
Even though I don’t go to mass, I take communion that has been consecrated.
And I do pray on a regular basis.
I have so many questions and I’m not sure if it’s about the catholic faith or if I’m just questioning the Bible…
I really need guidance and answers and I am praying that I seek them.
Thank you

 

[Reyesmrivera]

Very interesting, I did not know that… thank you for letting me know that!!

 

[Reyesmrivera]

Thank you for providing me that!

 

[Gorgias]

Does the Catholic Church “ALSO” state that it is a mortal sin not to go church to try to earn a profit from potential offerings?

No, not as such. There is also the obligation to support the Church, but that’s a different matter that isn’t related, per se.

I ask this question because in the past (to my understanding according to my highschool education) I was taught that the Catholic Church in the past used to make people pay money to get their loved ones out of purgatory (which was on of the reasons which sparked the Protestant Reformation).

Your high school education is failing you, then. The notion that “Catholics were required to pay their loved ones’ way out of purgatory” an invention of Reformation polemicists.

You should ask for your money back on your high school education.

This was never an “official” teaching but it certainly did happen - albeit some 500 years ago.

Let’s make sure you’re answering the question as asked: are you claiming that the Church required donations in order to get souls out of purgatory? That’s what the OP asked, after all.

I asked my priest why it was a sin to miss mass and he told me because I need to take communion and listen to the readings and I understand that.

You don’t need to receive communion when you attend Mass. It’s good to do so, but not a requirement. You don’t attend in order to receive. You attend in order to be a participant in the sacrifice of the Mass, and in order to worship God.

I don’t see the point in going if I don’t understand what I’m hearing.

If you go, regardless of the language in which the Mass is offered, then you’re still worshiping God and participating in the sacrifice, aren’t you? And therefore, it’s of real value to attend!

Even though I don’t go to mass, I take communion that has been consecrated.

How are you receiving communion if you’re not attending Mass?