Why is it sinful to miss Mass?

[AdamC]

I don’t mean out of sheer laziness, but because of some kind of situation that comes up. And what about weekend camping trips? Are those out of the question?

It seems like there are a lot of really strict, unnecessary rules involved in the Church. I understand the Eucharist now, I understand Mary’s perpetual virginity, and I see the obvious authority and apostolic origin of the Pope. Those are fine, and it makes perfect sense. But why is it assumed that God is so absolutely anal about seemingly small things? Surely a weekend trip to the mountains with the kids is OK, even if you miss your Sunday mass, isn’t it? It’s not like you’re doing a twelve-hour shift, you’re relaxing and spending some time with those you love.

Is there the possibility for exceptions in these cases?

 

[Claire_from_DE]

If you’re in a location where there is no mass on Sunday, of course there’s no obligation to do the impossible. Yes, it is permissible to take a vacation from time to time to a place where there is no priest.

If you regularly chose to be in an inaccessible location on weekends, one could question your commitment to God.

God is anal? Oh come on! Of course He did make that first commandment about NO OTHER GODS BEFORE ME! And then, He did actually suffer and DIE for us. And He wants to give us His body as our food at every mass. But hey, if you would rather go fishing than spend an hour a week with the Person who loves you better than anyone else in your life will ever love you and your wife and kids…

The Church only gives us this minimum direction about how to keep holy the Lord’s day, and we’re not even expected to go out of our way to do that. Is that really unreasonable? Really?

 

[AdamC]

If you’re in a location where there is no mass on Sunday, of course there’s no obligation to do the impossible. Yes, it is permissible to take a vacation from time to time to a place where there is no priest.

Ok, cool. I got worried there when I read some other threads.

If you regularly chose to be in an inaccessible location on weekends, one could question your commitment to God.

Yeah, that makes sense. My same thoughts.

God is anal? Oh come on! Of course He did make that first commandment about NO OTHER GODS BEFORE ME! And then, He did actually suffer and DIE for us. And He wants to give us His body as our food at every mass. But hey, if you would rather go fishing than spend an hour a week with the Person who loves you better than anyone else in your life will ever love you and your wife and kids…

I’m not suggesting we should be allowed to ignore God! Just that there should be some leeway. And I wasn’t actually calling God anal, I was saying I didn’t think He is. I think that God would understand a long weekend at the beach instead of going to Church once in a blue moon. In fact, I kinda think He would be happy to see people taking time out of their schedules just to be close to each other!

The Church only gives us this minimum direction about how to keep holy the Lord’s day, and we’re not even expected to go out of our way to do that. Is that really unreasonable? Really?

No, it isn’t. I was curious about the rules, and I guess I’ve become a little defensive because I’ve been talking about contraceptives on another thread, and I just really really really can’t see why straight-up sex just for the sake of sex with one’s spouse is a bad thing. But I don’t want to let this thread go sideways because of that, my other thread is still active, so you can go there to discuss that.

 

[Claire_from_DE]

It’s kind of hard to answer the vacation question because of where you live and might vacation. In Delaware, if I go to the beach there are probably 4 or more churches within a 45 minute drive and mass is available at many times of the day. In Alberta, probably not so much. But I think the church is pretty reasonable with her rules. Or how about inviting a retired (but fit and outdoorsy) priest to join your family on the weekends, especially if he’s good at campfire cooking. Just kidding.

 

[AdamC]

It’s kind of hard to answer the vacation question because of where you live and might vacation. In Delaware, if I go to the beach there are probably 4 or more churches within a 45 minute drive and mass is available at many times of the day. In Alberta, probably not so much. But I think the church is pretty reasonable with her rules. Or how about inviting a retired (but fit and outdoorsy) priest to join your family on the weekends, especially if he’s good at campfire cooking. Just kidding.

There are plenty of lakes in my general area, and there’s even a campground in our river valley right in the middle of the city. I meant a trip out of town to the Rocky Mountains or something like that. Camping near the city wouldn’t be a problem, I would just pack everything up and be home for 12:30 mass.

 

[choy]

I don’t mean out of sheer laziness, but because of some kind of situation that comes up. And what about weekend camping trips? Are those out of the question?

It seems like there are a lot of really strict, unnecessary rules involved in the Church. I understand the Eucharist now, I understand Mary’s perpetual virginity, and I see the obvious authority and apostolic origin of the Pope. Those are fine, and it makes perfect sense. But why is it assumed that God is so absolutely anal about seemingly small things? Surely a weekend trip to the mountains with the kids is OK, even if you miss your Sunday mass, isn’t it? It’s not like you’re doing a twelve-hour shift, you’re relaxing and spending some time with those you love.

Is there the possibility for exceptions in these cases?

these unnecessary rules have been instituted by the Apostles from day 1, when they celebrate the Lord’s Day on the first day of the week, after the Sabbath

being at mass is not a small thing. i don’t want to go into details because i might either give too little information, or babble on too much and my post becomes unreadable. but learn what the mass is about and why its important to the faith.

 

[vera_dicere]

There’s what, 168 hours in a week. Surely, surely one can find time to give the Lord one teensy weensy little hour back to Him after all He’s done.

My mum used to work 12 hour night shifts as a nurse then go to Mass straight after, before coming home and cooking us breakfast, doing the washing, doing some clean up, making our lunches and THEN she went to bed.

Even on our vacations we went to Mass, and usually, it could be a two hour drive away, and that’s a pretty early start when the only Mass might be at 8am.

The Lord gave us so much, short of bleeding out all your orifices I don’t think its that much to ask to spend one hour with the Lord and His children each week.

 

[JRKH]

I don’t mean out of sheer laziness, but because of some kind of situation that comes up. And what about weekend camping trips? Are those out of the question?

It seems like there are a lot of really strict, unnecessary rules involved in the Church. I understand the Eucharist now, I understand Mary’s perpetual virginity, and I see the obvious authority and apostolic origin of the Pope. Those are fine, and it makes perfect sense. But why is it assumed that God is so absolutely anal about seemingly small things? Surely a weekend trip to the mountains with the kids is OK, even if you miss your Sunday mass, isn’t it? It’s not like you’re doing a twelve-hour shift, you’re relaxing and spending some time with those you love.

Is there the possibility for exceptions in these cases?

Sure there are exceptions - Discuss any emergencies that come up with your pastor.

To answer your title question of why is it sinful to miss mass, it is because in so doing you are demonstrating that you put other things before God. Instead of desiring, above all else, to go to Church first thing in your week to worship, spend time with, and to receive into yourself, Our Lord Jesus, you’d rather do something else. The most important commandment from Christ is that we love God with all our hearts minds and beings.
So you see it isn’t about God being “anal” it’s about us giving to God that which He deserves. And the Church only demands a minimum - 1 hr per week? Is that too much to ask?

As to the issue of camping. I have an Aunt and Uncle who went caming fairly often. They were devout Catholics and raised eight children. I can guarentee that they did not miss Mass on Sundy simply because they went camping somewhere. They checked ahead and found out where the nearest Catholic church was and went.

Of course if you are talking about deep wilderness camping - that is another matter. Like I said, talk it over with your pastor. That is what he is there for.

Peace
James

 

[puzzleannie]

I don’t mean out of sheer laziness, but because of some kind of situation that comes up. And what about weekend camping trips? Are those out of the question?

?

It is not a sin to miss Mass when there is an unavoidable reason, or when you simply cannot get there. Examples would be illness, caring for a sick person or an infant, necessary work, travel to an area where there is no Mass offered. We are expected to explore reasonable alternatives. Very few campgrounds in this country for instance unless you are on a river raft trip or backpacking in the wilderness are far away from a town with a church. If you can get to town for a six pack you can get there for church. Just because you can’t get to your regular church at your regular time doesn’t mean you can’t usually find another parish within a reasonable distance that has Mass at other times.

Our family vacations growing up and raising my children have almost always involved camping, and we have also been involved in scouting trips for over 50 years, and never have we missed Mass for that excuse. That includes weekend or week-long canoe or raft trips. Most weekend outings end with enough time to get to a parish that has evening Mass even if the trip is with a large non-Catholic group who cannot bring in a priest for Mass.

What is the reason it is grave matter to miss Mass deliberately? Meditate for an hour before the Blessed Sacrament or a crucifix on Christ’s sacrifice on our behalf, which the Mass makes present to us. After that, can you honestly refuse to participate in the communal celebration of our salvation?

And no where in the catechism does it say “straight up sex with your spouse” is wrong. Where on earth are you getting this stuff, anyhow?

 

[AdamC]

It is not a sin to miss Mass when there is an unavoidable reason, or when you simply cannot get there. Examples would be illness, caring for a sick person or an infant, necessary work, travel to an area where there is no Mass offered. We are expected to explore reasonable alternatives. Very few campgrounds in this country for instance unless you are on a river raft trip or backpacking in the wilderness are far away from a town with a church. If you can get to town for a six pack you can get there for church. Just because you can’t get to your regular church at your regular time doesn’t mean you can’t usually find another parish within a reasonable distance that has Mass at other times.

Our family vacations growing up and raising my children have almost always involved camping, and we have also been involved in scouting trips for over 50 years, and never have we missed Mass for that excuse. That includes weekend or week-long canoe or raft trips. Most weekend outings end with enough time to get to a parish that has evening Mass even if the trip is with a large non-Catholic group who cannot bring in a priest for Mass.

What is the reason it is grave matter to miss Mass deliberately? Meditate for an hour before the Blessed Sacrament or a crucifix on Christ’s sacrifice on our behalf, which the Mass makes present to us. After that, can you honestly refuse to participate in the communal celebration of our salvation?

And no where in the catechism does it say “straight up sex with your spouse” is wrong. Where on earth are you getting this stuff, anyhow?

forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=461164

Right there.

 

[brianwalden]

The immediate reason why it’s a sin to miss Mass on Sunday is because the bishops require it. They have legitimate authority over this discipline so we are required to obey them. The larger reason is that we have a need to worship God. We were created for it. To go long stretches without Mass hurts your soul.

The church doesn’t make a list of all the serious reasons that would reduce a person’s culpability for missing Mass because it would be impossible to list every possible situation. But if you have some serious reason, you’re not culpable. You and God know if that reason is legitimate or not. In general, if you’re traveling you can find a Mass somewhere. The Internet makes it a lot easier find a Mass ahead of time and plan it into your Sunday.

 

[teachccd]

Mass is heaven on earth. It is literally standing at the foot of the Cross. What on earth could be more important or beautiful than that? If Jesus invited you to the Last Supper (which is exactly what the Mass is) would you find that something else was more important? If one finds it physically impossible to get to Mass then what can one do? But otherwise forget about the sin of not going and focus on the presence of Christ that meets you when you do go… teachccd

Saint Pio said that it would be better if the sun dissappeared than to lose the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass…

 

[Beth_Martin]

I don’t mean out of sheer laziness, but because of some kind of situation that comes up. And what about weekend camping trips? Are those out of the question?

It seems like there are a lot of really strict, unnecessary rules involved in the Church. I understand the Eucharist now, I understand Mary’s perpetual virginity, and I see the obvious authority and apostolic origin of the Pope. Those are fine, and it makes perfect sense. But why is it assumed that God is so absolutely anal about seemingly small things? Surely a weekend trip to the mountains with the kids is OK, even if you miss your Sunday mass, isn’t it? It’s not like you’re doing a twelve-hour shift, you’re relaxing and spending some time with those you love.

Is there the possibility for exceptions in these cases?

Men are legalistic; God is not. This was the problem with all of Israel except the remnant. You are not to forsake the assembling for fellowship, but whatever you do; do it for the glory of God for He looks at the internals not the externals as the legalists do, which is why there is only a remnant that is saved according to God Himself. So if you your pattern is to miss going to church regularly, then you have a potential sin issue, but if you miss on occassion to go have a good time with other like-minded people and whatever you do, you do it with thanksgiving to God, then God see your heart and knows your love or lack of love.

Keep in mind I don’t subscribe to your religion and since the Bible does not recognize Roman Catholicism or Protestantism or any other ism, then you will follow what you believe, but I have told you what is in God’s Word. Take it or leave it; if you subscribe to Catholicism and they say it is a sin to miss Mass, then you must decide to abide by her rules or intentionally ignore her rules and thus enter into sin by her standard. Not always easy choices to make is it?

 

[Ponyguy]

I don’t mean out of sheer laziness, but because of some kind of situation that comes up.

. . .]

Is there the possibility for exceptions in these cases?

Simple answer: It’s not always sinful. Common sense prevails

If situations arise where attending Mass is virtually impossible, there’s not a problem. If there is a genuine problem (like a while back, I slid on an icy road into a ditch on the way to church, and had to summon the tow truck) you are certainly excused. But, it better be a reasonable excuse, one that God will buy, since nobody will question your sincerity but The Big Guy Himself.

 

[brianwalden]

Men are legalistic; God is not.

I dunno, He did give us those Commandments. And the natural law, isn’t there something about Him writing his commandments on the heart of every man.

Take it or leave it; if you subscribe to Catholicism and they say it is a sin to miss Mass, then you must decide to abide by her rules or intentionally ignore her rules and thus enter into sin by her standard. Not always easy choices to make is it?

I’m just curious. It sounds like you’re describing something like a subjective sin. Is the Catholic in the above example sinning only by the Catholic Church’s standard or by God’s standard and why?

 

[teachccd]

Keep in mind I don’t subscribe to your religion and since the Bible does not recognize Roman Catholicism or Protestantism or any other ism, then you will follow what you believe, but I have told you what is in God’s Word. Take it or leave it; if you subscribe to Catholicism and they say it is a sin to miss Mass, then you must decide to abide by her rules or intentionally ignore her rules and thus enter into sin by her standard. Not always easy choices to make is it?

Sidebar: Everytime you open your Bible you subscribe to the authority of the Catholic Church since it was through her councils that the canon of Scripture was acknowledged. The New Testament did not fall out of the sky. It was written by the Church through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit and acknowledged by the Church through the same Holy Spirit…** This was not meant to derail the thread but posted for clarification**… teachccd

 

[Beth_Martin]

I dunno, He did give us those Commandments. And the natural law, isn’t there something about Him writing his commandments on the heart of every man.

The purpose of the law is to reveal to man Gods perfection and mans inability to meet that standard - to reveal mans sin in other words.

I’m just curious. It sounds like you’re describing something like a subjective sin. Is the Catholic in the above example sinning only by the Catholic Church’s standard or by God’s standard and why?

I do not know if it is a sin to miss a Sunday Mass, but the subscriber of the subscription seemed to imply that it is; is it? I do not know. God says not to forsake the assembling of brothers and sisters in Christ, the church. So if one is intentionally forsaking this without a valid reason, then this would be disobedience to a command given by God and thus sin. As faf as the comparison about Catholic standard and God’s standard; it would be inappropriate to discuss theses differences in this subscripture. In general religion is usually more of the externals as opposed to the internals but within any Christian oriented religion, there will be thoses that will see through the externals and have the right heart relationship that God demands and will or are saved, but as taught in the OT, Jesus said the same in the NT, only a few because I believe most people are not willing to deal with their sin (repentance to enter) and believe their is a righteousness within themselves that deserves some meritous grace before God, which is pride and self righteousness and labeled as love for God…that is my opinion based on my understanding of the Word.

 

[Beth_Martin]

Sidebar: Every time you open your Bible you subscribe to the authority of the Catholic Church since it was through her councils that the canon of Scripture was acknowledged. The New Testament did not fall out of the sky. It was written by the Church through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit and acknowledged by the Church through the same Holy Spirit…** This was not meant to derail the thread but posted for clarification**… teachccd

I understand the claim by folks like yourself that Catholics gave us the Bible; most of the councils you refer to were not ecumenical and some like Nicea were later declared to be part ecumenical and parts not; one of Niacea’s councils declared as not ecumenical is the councils decision that that the DC’s were not inspired. So pick and chose makes no difference the Word of God came from Heaven and authored by the Holy Spirit working through men. I’m sure the men making the decisions were saved and others were not. God’s purposes are never thwarted by sinners or Christians and I have the Bible I have because that was God’s purpose just as you have yours as God purposed.

 

[teachccd]

I understand the claim by folks like yourself that Catholics gave us the Bible; most of the councils you refer to were not ecumenical and some like Nicea were later declared to be part ecumenical and parts not; one of Niacea’s councils declared as not ecumenical is the councils decision that that the DC’s were not inspired. So pick and chose makes no difference the Word of God came from Heaven and authored by the Holy Spirit working through men. I’m sure the men making the decisions were saved and others were not. God’s purposes are never thwarted by sinners or Christians and I have the Bible I have because that was God’s purpose just as you have yours as God purposed.

God worked through someone to let His 27 New Testament books be known. Anyway, God bless you and we can all get back to the beauty of the Mass and how God’s purpose for this perpetual gift makes His Word present to us. The Scriptures unite us with God’s Word through language and the Eucharist unites us with God’s Word through the very gift of Himself.

Is it sinful to miss Mass? Why on this side of the universe would one not want to be there with every part of their being? Why would one not wish to be present at the Last Supper?

Thank you, Beth Martin for giving me the opportunity to come here again and give glory to God for the gift of Himself in the Scriptures and in the Eucharist!!

 

[alitaptap]

It is in the Eucharist that the Catholic is nourished by the word of God. He derives nourishment not only from the word - the son - when He recives Jesus in communion. But He derives nourishments from the written word which is proclaimed in the Mass. The word of God proclaimed, thought about and prayed over becomes a living word that helps us become who we are. As sons and daugthers of the Father we need constant reminders of our dignity. The liturgy of the Mass gives us the community of strength in unity to live out the implications of who we are.