Wednesday, October 14, 2009

The Sunday "obligation"


One of the precepts of the Catholic Church (i.e., rules that Catholics are to follow), is to attend Mass on Sunday. In most cases in this country, this is not a problem — there are Catholic Churches that are reasonably accessible to most Catholics, even if it means driving a little bit. 
       However, it is important to note that no precept of the Church binds a person if it involves a significant hardship or it would put the person or others at risk. A good example is a person who is ill, especially if they have an infectious disease. By attending Mass, they could infect dozens — if not hundreds — of other people. 
       With winter approaching and some time left in hurricane season, it is also important to note that one need not put oneself at risk. If the roads or sidewalks are slippery, the temperature is well below zero such that frostbite is a serious risk, or if power lines are down and it is just very risky to be traveling to church, there is no obligation to go.
       Nonetheless, one is still to "keep holy the Lord's day." If one is unable to go to church on Sunday, it is still expected that one will set aside some time in prayer and worship, preferably with a group of others. The scriptures of the day may be read, intercessions may be offered, and either formal prayers or spontaneous prayer should be said.