Well, to be honest I don’t really think a priest have the kind of authority to rule on this. Only the Church can decide what is obligatory. However, if you really feel like can’t get to Mass then it would not be a sin.I was able to speak with my priest today and he gave me the okay to only attend mass every other week when I have the kids. Says it’s not a sin for me to miss mass on the weeks that I have my kids due to my circumstances.
That is a huge relief and load off of my shoulders.
Honestly, I am not aware of all the intricacies of a priest dispensing someone from going to Mass, but I think the priest, who is in a position of authority would be able to make a determination. If I am wrong, someone please correct me.Well, to be honest I don’t really think a priest have the kind of authority to rule on this. Only the Church can decide what is obligatory. However, if you really feel like can’t get to Mass then it would not be a sin.
I was told on here to speak with my priest and he would be able to tell me if I am sinning or not and absolve me of having to attend each week.Well, to be honest I don’t really think a priest have the kind of authority to rule on this. Only the Church can decide what is obligatory. However, if you really feel like can’t get to Mass then it would not be a sin.
I could have made good money betting this would be the response to this post.Well, to be honest I don’t really think a priest have the kind of authority to rule on this. Only the Church can decide what is obligatory. However, if you really feel like can’t get to Mass then it would not be a sin.
Well, can You attend the Mass on the weekdays?I was able to speak with my priest today and he gave me the okay to only attend mass every other week when I have the kids. Says it’s not a sin for me to miss mass on the weeks that I have my kids due to my circumstances.
That is a huge relief and load off of my shoulders.
I could only do that every other Friday, which is the weekend that I can attend Saturday vigil anyway.Well, can You attend the Mass on the weekdays?
This is really an irrelevant question, since we are obligated to attend Mass on Sunday (or the anticipated Mass on Saturday) and attending at another time, while laudatory, does not fulfill our obligation.Well, can You attend the Mass on the weekdays?
If we are unable to attend on Sunday due to reasonable circumstances, we should attend on the weekday of the same week. So, it is more than relevant.This is really an irrelevant question, since we are obligated to attend Mass on Sunday (or the anticipated Mass on Saturday) and attending at another time, while laudatory, does not fulfill our obligation.
The OP received good advice from his priest.
That would not work for me due to my work schedule. As I mentioned, the day that I could go, the next day is Saturday vigil which I could attend because I don’t have my kids that weekend.If we are unable to attend on Sunday due to reasonable circumstances, we should attend on the weekday of the same week. So, it is more than relevant.
She doesn’t want anything to do with the Catholic Church and doesn’t want her children either. So she has said that I cannot take them with me to mass. She doesn’t want them subjected to it. She is custodial and she makes the major decisions. If I go against her decision it can be seen as breaking the parenting agreement.As a Catholic mom to 3 and 1 year old, who’s husband is not Catholic and does not attend mass with me, I totally understand. I don’t take both children with me to mass, because I can’t handle them both. Since DH doesn’t go with me, he keeps one or both at home so I can go. I am heartbroken to hear your ex has forbidden you to take them to mass.
Is that how custody arrangements work? She can flat out forbid you to do things? Or is it because she is the custodial parent and she controls your visitation and you have to “follow her rules” or you don’t get to see them? I could see not traveling out of state or country, but not going to church with you? I will pray for you and your family.
He can certainly rule on this. This is perfectly fine and acceptable. (Canon 1245)Well, to be honest I don’t really think a priest have the kind of authority to rule on this.
I’ll pray for you!She doesn’t want anything to do with the Catholic Church and doesn’t want her children either. So she has said that I cannot take them with me to mass. She doesn’t want them subjected to it. She is custodial and she makes the major decisions. If I go against her decision it can be seen as breaking the parenting agreement.
I prefer to keep the peace with her and not cause any fighting that would somehow effect the kids. So, I do as she wishes.
I’m pretty sure it says she has the decision power for these things. Even if it doesn’t, I’m not willing to defy her. I’m not going to cause problems in an otherwise working relationship. It’s been an easy divorce and we communicate better now than we ever did when were married. I will not ruin that by going against her wishes.Being the custodial parent does not give absolute dictatorial power and authority over what the other parent may do during visitation. Look through whatever legal papers you have regarding the agreement and see what it says.
The Law in Religion and Custody Cases
Because the U.S. Supreme Court has not yet decided a case involving religious upbringing and custody, there is no uniform national law. Instead, the law varies from state to state. Most state courts apply one of the following three legal standards when deciding these cases:
Actual or substantial harm. The court will restrict a parent’s First Amendment or parenting rights only if that parent’s religious practices cause actual or substantial harm to the child.
Risk of harm. The court may restrict a parent’s First Amendment or parenting rights if that parent’s religious practices might harm the child in the future.
The third, which would be the only case where she could legally restrict your rights, is only in “a few states” according to the site I viewed.No harm required. The custodial parent’s right to influence the children’s religious upbringing of her is considered exclusive. If the custodial parent objects to the noncustodial parent’s religious activities, that’s the end of it: The court will defer to the custodial parent’s wishes.
You may be surprised by this, but yes, keeping the peace is paramount to me. I don’t want anything that will cause issues when it comes to the kids. If there is arguing and fighting over me brining them to mass, it’s not going to affect her or I, but the kids. They don’t need mommy and daddy fighting, especially now that we’re divorced. They go from a happy home to a happy home.It depends on which state you live in, and what the law is. Most states say that as long as there is no risk of harm to the child, you cannot be restricted from sharing your religous beliefs with your child, no matter if you have custody.
Here is the information I found:
The third, which would be the only case where she could legally restrict your rights, is only in “a few states” according to the site I viewed.
However, I understand keeping the peace. On the other hand, this is your children’s lives we are talking about here, is it worth risking that for a few moments of peace?
I pray that you will come to a more amicable agreement with your ex-spouse as you co-parent.
This is a good practice but not the requirement of the Church.If we are unable to attend on Sunday due to reasonable circumstances, we should attend on the weekday of the same week. So, it is more than relevant.