Sickness and skipping mass

[sw85]

Hello,

I’m presently running a mild fever (100.4 degrees last I checked – normally I’m a very steady and unchanging 98.6) and experiencing some flu-like symptoms. I’d like to go to mass tomorrow if I’m feeling better but I’m concerned about spreading it to others, especially as there are a LOT of older folks in my parish! Is it OK to skip mass this weekend?

I’ve tried googling “when is it OK to miss mass” and variants of it but I don’t find any clear delineation of when it’s OK to miss mass. Anyone have any (name removed by moderator)ut for me?

God bless,

sw

 

[ConstantineTG]

For one thing your “religion” says you are soon to begin RCIA. So you are not obligated yet to follow Catholic discipline if you have not been received in the Church yet. Though I would strongly encourage you to go as much as you can.

But in any case, even if you are a full member of the Church, the rule for going or not is not a hard one as many would claim. You have a good reason not to go, stay home and pray for better health.

 

[ETEXAS]

If I have a cold that others in Mass can catch…I think it is for their interest to skip…GOD…knows a “Valid” reason…

 

[Allegra]

If you’re sick, stay home and listen to Mass on the radio.

 

[ETEXAS]

If you’re sick, stay home and listen to Mass on the radio.

And do a Rosary!

 

[MarkThompson]

Hello,

I’m presently running a mild fever (100.4 degrees last I checked – normally I’m a very steady and unchanging 98.6) and experiencing some flu-like symptoms. I’d like to go to mass tomorrow if I’m feeling better but I’m concerned about spreading it to others, especially as there are a LOT of older folks in my parish! Is it OK to skip mass this weekend?

I’ve tried googling “when is it OK to miss mass” and variants of it but I don’t find any clear delineation of when it’s OK to miss mass. Anyone have any (name removed by moderator)ut for me?

God bless,

sw

I’d echo what Constantine says above, but add: this is hardly something that can be resolved on Friday. I’m trying to imagine someone sitting around on Sunday saying, “Well, I feel okay, but I decided two days ago that I was going to be too sick for Mass. Guess I’m stayin’ home!”

 

[GEddie]

I’d echo what Constantine says above, but add: this is hardly something that can be resolved on Friday. I’m trying to imagine someone sitting around on Sunday saying, “Well, I feel okay, but I decided two days ago that I was going to be too sick for Mass. Guess I’m stayin’ home!”

Well, he’s probably just allowing time for some answers to his question.

 

[Wolniewicz]

For one thing your “religion” says you are soon to begin RCIA. So you are not obligated yet to follow Catholic discipline if you have not been received in the Church yet. Though I would strongly encourage you to go as much as you can.

My RCIA Director’s (Participated with two different parishes, one at home, one on school campus) wouldn’t let some one into the church if they did not follow that discipline. They’d still let them come to RCIA and participate though!

One should live the Catholic discipline, and have been living it for a while before they are received in. I guess I’m just saying that if one wants to be recieved into the Faith he / she should feel obligated to go every weekend, even if by doctrine they are not. I also know that once one has been through the Rites, they shouldn’t recieve at other denominations. Even though they aren’t received in quite yet. I just think Catholic discipline more applys to all who are Catholic in Belief, not just those who have finished RCIA or were born into the Faith.

Also RCIA Directors do notice if you attend or not!

 

[DianaCC]

I’ve tried googling “when is it OK to miss mass”…

Google “dispensation from sunday obligation”.

At any rate, CCC 2181 explicitly lists illness as an automatic dispensation.

 

[ETEXAS]

Google “dispensation from sunday obligation”.

At any rate, CCC 2181 explicitly lists illness as an automatic dispensation.

Beat me to it!!! PLUS…while Sunday is “Ultimate” my own Priest told me, if you are called to emergency travel, are a MD or Cop, …OR sick Sunday or “anticipation” Saturday, go Monday…Wed…Fri…most of us are blessed with Churches that have weekly Masses (Mine is SMALL) we just popped “mission” in record time BUT we still offer Monday, Wed, Friday,…in short…he told us NOT to “beat ourselves up”…hey…you have 102 fever…STAY HOME. LOL… not only for you but for others! Thats just courtesy! And as prior poster Noted…is a Proper Dispensation …do not feel guilty…

 

[puzzleannie]

Hello,

I’ve tried googling “when is it OK to miss mass” and variants of it but I don’t find any clear delineation of when it’s OK to miss mass. Anyone have any (name removed by moderator)ut for me?

God bless,

sw

if you are too sick to go to work, shop or recreation you are too sick for Mass.

if you are contagious or fear you might be it is charity to miss Mass.

this is a matter of prudential judgement. you do not need to call a priest, google or ask here with a list of symptoms.

you are not required to watch Mass on TV, listen to the radio, pray the rosary or anything else although of course you probably will want to pray in some way.

 

[Paxvobis]

EWTN has Sunday Mass on multiple times a day if you want to watch that.

 

[MissRose73]

I would consider it charitable if anyone who had a contagious illness like the flu to stay home from Mass, and preferably work too to avoid spreading it. Mass can be missed without penalty of pay like some work places that penalize people for being ill, and I am sure God knows you are ill especially as many seniors attend Mass & cannot fight off illnesses as easily as most younger people.

When I’ve been ill and cannot go to Mass, I do try to watch Mass on tv if it is on the weekend, and good thing I have EWTN as part of my cable lineup.