Sunday Mass Obligation For The Elderly, The Terminally Ill and Sick

[centurionguard]

This topic has been re-stated a number of times in the Forums.

Yet in some ways for me there never seems to be a concise form that lists reasonable grounds of dispensation from Mass in the Catechism. Some common sense reasons for not fulfilling the obligation for Mass particularly for the Elderly would be lack of mobility and as with having no transportation available to them. The Catholic Church states there must be Serious Reason why (“any”) Catholic does not abide by the obligation to keep the Sabbath Solemnity of Mass Holy.

Where do the Terminally Ill fit into this Obligation? Perhaps under the same auspices that limit some categorized as the Elderly. I realize not all Elderly are excused from not rightfully availing themselves to the obligation of Mass.

I recently spent three weeks in hospital suffering a heart attack and was released last Friday. My pancreatic cancer is in remission. However; feeling somewhat well enough to force myself to go to Mass this morning I am still feeling weak and decided not to go to Mass. Part of me feels guilty for not having gone to Mass as if second judging myself. Perhaps too judging against my better awkward situational health situation. I really did want to go to Mass but physically I do feel weak. Am I making excuses because of my physical weakness?

Conversely; my beloved mother whom I stay at home with is 76 and is terminally ill and goes to the hospital for Kidney dialysis three times a week. Her reason for not going to Mass this morning is because of physical weakness and emotional upset.
She asked me if it was a sin for her not going to Mass this morning. Maybe I’m wrong but I don’t feel its a sin. My sister would have drove both of us to Church this morning.

For a lack of momentary understanding in moral faculty I guess I’m asking for some sincere clearity of advice here.
Your help is appreciated.

P.S. I might add where does Mass Obligation fall in respect to many Catholics as with numerous people in society who are Mentally Ill?

Sincerely Yours In Christ
Chris

 

[Timothysis]

Brother JR once said, “the Church is a mother, not a task master.” I do not believe that Christ requires from us more than we are able to give.

 

[SMHW]

Prayers for improved health.

This is my personal opinion… But when someone who WANTS to go to Mass makes the judgement that he is not well enough to go on a particular day then I think he is probably correct in his assessment.

That said, I think it is also important that when one is hospitalized and convalescing at home that one gets in contact with the parish. Hopefully one can then have communion brought to him. The reason I put *on a particular day *(from the previous paragraph) in italics is because a person who justly refrains from attending Mass is likely depressed (a natural physical result of a serious illness) and sometimes is not in the best position to judge his own abilities.

In the case of a loss of health which is not likely to improve (terminal illness, age, dementia, permanent injury, etc.) I think it often falls on family, friends, and clergy to determine if it is appropriate for the unwell person to be brought to Mass and to encourage and assist that person to go.

 

[triumphguy]

I believe you are yearning for the mass and the Eucharist. Maybe call the parish and ask for someone (the priest) to visit you and your mom with the Eucharist.

I believe you are forgiven but not forgotten!

 

[chris138]

Stay home and rest. My father has cancer and is currently going through some rough chemo and misses Mass frequently. During days 8-14 even if he feels well he can not go and be around large groups of people-drs orders(and more importantly my moms). How could this possibly be sinful?? God knows our heart. You are ill, your resistance is down, you are tired. Rest. Same goes for your dear mother.

You could ask for someone to bring you communion on days when you can not make it. Talk to your priest about it. Perhaps your sister could become an extraordinary minister to bring you both communion when you are unable to attend.

I personally think it is rude to come to Mass ill. I live in a rural area with many elderly members. I would never want to spread the flu or something to them if I could avoid it.

Praying for you and your dear mother for a speedy recovery. You have weathered alot with cancer and heart problems…my heart goes out to you and your family for your great sufferings. God bless.

Memorare (Prayer to Our Lady)
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help, or sought your intercession, was left unaided.
Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto you, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother. To you do I come, before you I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in your mercy, hear and answer me. Amen

 

[Carlan]

Prayers for improved health.

This is my personal opinion… But when someone who WANTS to go to Mass makes the judgement that he is not well enough to go on a particular day then I think he is probably correct in his assessment.

That said, I think it is also important that when one is hospitalized and convalescing at home that one gets in contact with the parish. Hopefully one can then have communion brought to him. The reason I put *on a particular day *(from the previous paragraph) in italics is because a person who justly refrains from attending Mass is likely depressed (a natural physical result of a serious illness) and sometimes is not in the best position to judge his own abilities.

In the case of a loss of health which is not likely to improve (terminal illness, age, dementia, permanent injury, etc.) I think it often falls on family, friends, and clergy to determine if it is appropriate for the unwell person to be brought to Mass and to encourage and assist that person to go.

Thank you SMHW for this post, I am an 86 year old and basically healthy. however, I often struggle with the guilt I feel when I decide I do not feel up to driving myself off to mass. Peace, Carlan

 

[centurionguard]

Stay home and rest. My father has cancer and is currently going through some rough chemo and misses Mass frequently. During days 8-14 even if he feels well he can not go and be around large groups of people-drs orders(and more importantly my moms). How could this possibly be sinful?? God knows our heart. You are ill, your resistance is down, you are tired. Rest. Same goes for your dear mother.

You could ask for someone to bring you communion on days when you can not make it. Talk to your priest about it. Perhaps your sister could become an extraordinary minister to bring you both communion when you are unable to attend.

I personally think it is rude to come to Mass ill. I live in a rural area with many elderly members. I would never want to spread the flu or something to them if I could avoid it.

Praying for you and your dear mother for a speedy recovery. You have weathered alot with cancer and heart problems…my heart goes out to you and your family for your great sufferings. God bless.

Memorare (Prayer to Our Lady)
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help, or sought your intercession, was left unaided.
Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto you, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother. To you do I come, before you I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in your mercy, hear and answer me. Amen

Thank You for your kind sentiments.

This year old thread gave some helpful interesting comments.
forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=526180

 

[garn9173]

You can always watch Mass on EWTN and arrange to have communion delivered to you. I recall growing up watching on Omaha TV a locally produced Mass called “Mass for Shut-ins”. I don’t know if this still airs or not, but my Mom would make us kids watch it if we were sick and had to miss attending Mass in person or if during the winter and the roads were bad and we chose to stay home.

 

[FLGreg]

Chris:

Wow! I have a bit of a tear in my eye composing this reply because I think of people like you every Sunday morning. When the 0700 alarm goes off and I am in my warm, comfortable bed trying making excuses to myself why I don’t need to go to Mass I think of those who have the will but not the ability (poor health, lack of transportation, distance).

Fear not, my Brother, for the Lord knows your heart. Call your local parish and instead of going to Mass, have the Mass (the Eucharist) brought to you.

Prayers for your return to good health.

Have a Blessed Day!