Work Family and Missing Sunday Mass

[whiteshepherddog]

I know this has been asked before but mine is slightly different and would like some opinions. I work as a funeral director, it is a noble profession which I love but working everyday is part of what we do. I work every other weekend usually. I missed Mass yesterday and am struggling to figure it out. There was a potential that I could have gotten up super early with less than normal sleep and found and early mass. Or I could have went to a 7pm Mass but would not see my family at all that day. No dinner, no night prayer with the family, no putting the kids to bed, etc. Maybe a quick kiss good night. Unfortunately more work was necessary than thought and I couldn’t leave. I felt obliged to be rested for my work and obliged to be present with my family a little bit on Sunday and forwent stopping on my way home at a church about 30 min from my house. Now as I over think things which is natural to me, I question what I did. Do I need to confess? I don’t feel guilty as I would if I did commit a mortal sin, my intentions were trying to do right by all, I do feel pulled every which way but figures if I stopped here, or drove here maybe I could have made it. Thoughts?

 

[1ke]

You should discuss your work situation with your pastor for guidance. You sound like you are entirely overthinking and overanalyzing this. You must use good judgment. You had to work, that generally excuses you from mass. You know how tired you are, how far away other options for mass are, your family obligations, etc. We do not. So, talk to your pastor about it. He knows your situation.

When you start doing all these mental acrobatics as to whether you sinned— it leads me to believe some level of scruples or anxiety might be invoked.