Stay home or go - Mass question

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phantom197676

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Hey there

We all know the obligation to attend Mass however I happen to live in the city with the most Covid cases in Canada right now. Provincial health officials are urging people to stay home and avoid crowds and singled out religious services as places to be especially cautious about… Now about me, I’m a guy earlier 40s but with a history of high blood pressure and diabetes as well as another underlying heart issue… My wife is attempting to convince me that to stay home may not be a bad idea … I’m a little torn, thoughts?
 
I’m 63, have Asthma, heart disease, high blood pressure. I’m going to mass. I will take simple precautions and not shake hands, use hand sanitizer and such. The sign of peace has been suspended as has the chalice. We are staying home more than usual, but not from mass.
 
This doesn’t help you for this weekend, but I think you should try to get in touch with your doctor next week, and get some guidance from him/her.
 
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Wasn’t asking for medial advice but thanks 🙂
 
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I totally understand the concern, as my husband and I have been struggling with the very same question! We have decided, personally, to continue to attend Mass.
 
I think it is reasonable to stay home if you have particular vulnerabilities. This has been a rough flu season. If your immunity or ability to fight infection is compromised it might be best to stay home.
 
Definitely do what is best for you and your wife! And rest assured that God knows your desire to attend 🙂
 
I think a question to ask is what if the coronavirus never foes away? Some experts are preedicting that while the current situation may subside, the coronavirus may come back each year like the regular flu. Some are predicting that even the warmer summer weather might not slow it down much. Some are predicting that there will never be a vaccine. I don’t know if these predictions are accurate, but maybe a question to ask yourself is that if all of these worst case scenarios come true, are you prepared to live the rest of your life, or even just a very long period of time, in fear of getting sick? It seems like there is at least a slight possibility that this could be the new normal for quite some time. Living in isolation indefinitely might not be a feasible option. Just something to think about.
 
Following local advice would be a good idea, they’re trying to avoid too much strain on the hospitals so that everyone can get the care they need.
 
People will build up immunity over time and there will possibly be a vaccine. They just need to slow it down so severe cases can get the support they need to hopefully survive.
 
Code: 
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want;
2 he makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters;
3 he restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness
for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow
of death,
I fear no evil;
for thou art with me;
thy rod and thy staff,
they comfort me.
5 Thou preparest a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
thou anointest my head with oil,
my cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life;
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
for ever.
 
personally, if i wasn’t sick myself, I’d still go, but I don’t have the underlying issues you do.

I think it might be a good idea to discuss this with your priest, if it really is a serious issue for you, he could also give you a dispensation if need be
 
I would follow the instructions of the local authorities

Has your diocese made a statement?
 
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Several months ago during confession, I mentioned that I had missed Mass the previous week due to weather conditions. My priest smiled and said, “Our God is a practical God, no sin.” Blessings.
 
Since COVID-19 is very prevalent in your city, and since you have several health conditions, I would stay home for now. Just watch Mass from home on EWTN or online.

May God bless you all with a transformative Lent! 🙂
 
Your call. Talk to the doctor of souls and the doctor of your body. We are much more likely to infect ourselves with our hands. We touch our faces 20 times per hour - it has been studied. To inhale the virus, you must be where it is has been atomized, such as near a cough, sneeze, or in a public restroom, believe it or not.

So, if you decide to go, no hand shaking, hugging or other close physical contact. Sit where no one is. Why not wear mask and gloves anyway? In that garb, many will subconsciously (or consciously) move away or not come near. Gloves are probably the more important of the two, as even if you stay away from others, you still touch the things they touch. Even the pew in front as you sit. The virus, if there, will just sit there, waiting for hand to pick it up and then scratch an itchy eye. Bang!

We need receive communion only once per year - during the Easter season. To refrain, as awful as that sounds, it is no sin and may just be very prudent at this time.
 
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