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StillHesitant wrote:

Hi, guys —

I am a non-Catholic but have been attending Saturday Novena devotion services and Sunday Mass services occasionally for over 40 years.

I have been thinking of attending RCIA with a view of becoming a Catholic however I have been hesitant because I am unable to make my obligation of going to Mass every Sunday because of my family commitments.

  • Should I still go ahead and become a Catholic?

Thank you.

StillHesitant

  { Should I become a Catholic if I can't go to Mass every Sunday due to family commitments? }

Eric replied:

StillHesitant,

It's so good to hear that you want to join the Church! We welcome you whatever your situation is.

We have to look at the nature of the family commitments.

  • If you are taking care of sick relatives, that's a valid excuse for not attending Mass.
  • If your family has an all-day barbecue every Sunday, that's a different story.

This is best something that you sit down with a priest and discuss the details with. There is also an option of attending a Sunday-anticipated Mass on Saturday evening.

Depending on where you are, there may be a wide range of options for attending Mass from Saturday at 4:00pm — to early Sunday morning — to Sunday evening.

  • Excluding the case of a severely ill family member, Is there not an hour or two you can get away during that time period every week to receive the benefits of worshiping God?

Anyway, we'd love to have you and encourage you to sit down with your local priest and work something out.

Eric

StillHesitant replied:

Dear Eric,

Thank you very much for your reply.

I have to take care of my elderly mum who is paralyzed from a stroke so it is almost impossible for me to go out on Sundays. Some of the churches here have Saturday Sunset Mass between 5:00-6:00pm.

  • Are these considered as Masses that meet my Sunday Mass obligation?

Regards,

StillHesitant

Eric replied:


Yes, they do fulfill your obligation.

I would say join the Church and attend when you are able.

Eric

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StillHesitant replied:

Dear Eric,

Thank you for your prompt reply and advice.

Much appreciated!

StillHesitant

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