Sunday vs Otherday Mass?

[Melonie]

I read somewhere that not attending the Sunday Mass is a mortal sin unless there is some truly humongous extinuating circumstance. It is a day of obligation, but other weekly Masses are not (if I understand this correctly.) I am recently returning to the faith and am rusty on many fine points, so thank you for any help.

 

[space_ghost]

Melonie:

I read somewhere that not attending the Sunday Mass is a mortal sin unless there is some truly humongous extinuating circumstance. It is a day of obligation, but other weekly Masses are not (if I understand this correctly.) I am recently returning to the faith and am rusty on many fine points, so thank you for any help.

I do know that for illness, inclement weather, or emergency are basically the 3 reasons that your missing mass is allowed… i would say, when in doubt ask your parish priest… sometimes your job may render your attendence at mass impossible, but i highly suggest you do a thorough search of your conscience before you go there and again seek counsel with your priest… It is a mortal sin… don’t take it lightly… and besides, Mass really is the best way to end or start your week.

 

[Melonie]

Thanks for your reply. Yes, I do realize that attending Mass is something we must do. I take it very seriously, as you rightly suggest. I suppose my pressing question is: does it have to be the Sunday Mass? I typically attend Mass on Thursday and Saturday evenings at 5 pm.

There is no emergency or job conflict barring me from the Sunday Mass – only a series of inconveniences which could be overcome with moderate effort. Yet I choose to attend on Thursdays and Saturdays when it is easier for me to be there.

If I am attending two full Masses a week, is it still a mortal sin not to attend the Sunday one?

 

[squirt]

The Saturday 5pm Mass would be a vigil Mass … so it is a ‘Sunday’ Mass in terms of meeting your obligation.

 

[Melonie]

squirt:

The Saturday 5pm Mass would be a vigil Mass … so it is a ‘Sunday’ Mass in terms of meeting your obligation.

Thanks very much.

 

[Charliemac]

Melonie:

I read somewhere that not attending the Sunday Mass is a mortal sin unless there is some truly humongous extinuating circumstance. It is a day of obligation, but other weekly Masses are not (if I understand this correctly.) I am recently returning to the faith and am rusty on many fine points, so thank you for any help.

The Sunday obligation is detailed in the Catechism of the Catholic Church 2180 thru 2182.

Some advice from one who was well rusted from decades of neglect.

1. 
   *]Buy a copy of the Catechism. But don’t stop there, reference it often. I resist saying read it (cover to cover), but do read it often. There is an on-line version, but I’d get it from CA if the have it.
   *]Do not be a minimalist, “do what I have to do to get by” type person. The Catholics who take this approach are generally on the way out, not the way in.
   *]Get used to (and enjoy) people saying that you are taking this a little too seriously, it means you are making progress.
   
   I will pray for you as you re-enter. Four years ago, I was where you are. I am not the same man as I was then, and with the help of God’s Grace, nor am I the man I will be tomorrow.
   
   Charliemac

 

[Melonie]

Thank you for the reference, and your advice. Here is a link to the online Catechism, for anyone who may want to use it. The Catechism of the Catholic Church You are right, it is a valuable tool and guide.

Here is 2180, explaining about Saturday Mass:

"2180 The precept of the Church specifies the law of the Lord more precisely: "On Sundays and other holy days of obligation the faithful are bound to participate in the Mass."117 "The precept of participating in the Mass is satisfied by assistance at a Mass which is celebrated anywhere in a Catholic rite either on the holy day or on the evening of the preceding day.“118”