Dear . . . . . ,

No; that would be a valid excuse.

I am assuming of course that you have unavoidable contact with your mother (e.g. You live together, which is suggested by your "we") and she has unavoidable contact with your grandmother for the next few weeks (e.g. she takes care of her).

Obviously, skipping Mass should not be done lightly or unnecessarily or as an excuse, but if there is a well-founded concern that can't be worked around, I would not scruple about it.

Eric

Dear . . . . . ,

I just wanted to add a bit to what my colleague has said.

Sadly, many in our Church have been poorly catechized in what goes on at Mass and have a view similar to my sister-in-law's. Read my reply to the following question below:

• Have I committed a mortal sin by watching Mass online instead of attending Mass in person?

I share this not to contradict my colleague's reply but to provide you with a logical reasoning why, besides the social and service ministry-related reasons, physically going to Mass (and renewing your Christian Covenant) is important.

I hope this helps,

Mike