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Hampus Lager wrote: |
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Hi, guys —
I have a question about exemptions from Mass.
For context: My wife and I are looking to convert to Catholicism (but we already are Catholics in our hearts). We live in Sweden where Catholicism is the smallest minority and churches aren't too easy to find. There is a small one about 45 minutes away where we have attended Mass for the past year.
Unfortunately, with current inflation and us living on a single income we barely break even each month and with the gas prices we pretty much have to decide between attending mass weekly or food on the table.
We understand that the obligation of attending Mass every Sunday (and 45 minutes is not a long drive for our love of Jesus), but financially. . . I'm already skipping lunch at work to save money.
People have suggested moving and I would if I could easily find a new job. I finally have a job I like. (It's taken me 16 years to find one that doesn't reignite my depression.)
- Does this cause an exemption from Mass?
I don't want to be unable to fulfill my Sunday obligation once accepted into the Church.
All the best,
Hampus
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| { We want to join the Church but wonder if our case would be an exemption to Mass attendance? } |
Eric replied:
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Hampus,
This is best discussed with your pastor.
While God does not ask the impossible, he does sometimes ask a great deal, often bringing us (albeit gently) out of our comfort zone. He asks us to trust in him and in his ability to provide for us, and I would encourage you to challenge him on this matter, presenting your dilemma to him in prayer and "casting your cares on him", increasing your trust, and believing he will act and make a way.
Throughout the centuries saints have jeopardized their lives to attend the liturgy and receive communion. This is pleasing to God. On the other hand there have also been people who for practical reasons simply don't have access to the Eucharist.
We can't really make a call for you on this; that's why I refer you to your pastor, and to deep prayer on the question. There are circumstances, yes, that would excuse the obligation, but I'm not sure it is good to exercise these right after conversion.
You need people to support you, you need the Eucharist, you need Confession. Joining the Catholic Church and then staying home is not really going to help your spiritual life even if technically it is an option. I was dismayed yesterday that I was without access to the Eucharist for over 24 hours. We can't live without the Eucharist.
Eric
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Eric later followed-up:
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Hampus,
Here is something I found that you may find interesting:
We read in the Acts of the Martyrs, that Saturninus and his companions were killed in the year 305 A.D. during the persecutions of the Roman Emperor Diocletian. They are the first martyrs of the Eucharist. Their words and their example are a strong reminder and a hint for an examination of conscience for us, modern Christians. To the Roman judge who accused them of having broken the order of the emperor of not having meetings and to hand over the Bibles, one after another the martyrs said: "We cannot omit the celebration of the Divine Mysteries. The Christian cannot live without the Eucharist and the Eucharist without the Christian. Don’t you know that the Christian exists for the Eucharist and the Eucharist for the Christian? Yes, I participated with the brothers in the meeting, I celebrated the mysteries of the Lord and I have here with me, written in my heart, Divine Scripture. The Eucharist is the hope and the salvation of Christians."
We Cannot Live Without The Eucharist! by Your Bishop,
+ Camillo Ballin, mccj Vicar Apostolic of Kuwait, 2nd September 2009 |
Interestingly, this is from a pastoral letter from the vicar apostolic of Kuwait, where there can't be too many churches.
Eric |
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