Missing Mass

Missing Mass Question from on 06-09-2007:

Are there any repercussions to missing mass? I have had to miss mass one weekend this year because of issues going on at my workplace. Would I be in trouble if I had to miss another mass? It really breaks my heart to miss mass. I hope I am not doing anything wrong.

Answer by Rev. Mark J. Gantley, JCL on 06-19-2007:

It is a grave obligation to attend Mass on Sunday. If a person misses Mass deliberately and knowingly and with no excuse (e.g., sickness), then the person must go to confession prior to receiving Holy Communion. If you have some other reason, known in advance, for missing Mass, then you should ask your parish pastor for a dispensation in advance. For example, someone arranges a cruise and there is no Mass that will be celebrated on the trip. Your pastor can dispense you from the obligation (or commute it to something else, such as spending an hour in prayer, attending a daily Mass prior to departure, etc.). The dispensation can be granted verbally.

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