Holy Rosary Church – Stuttgart issued the following announcement on Jan. 15.
Friends, in light of the possibility for winter weather this weekend, and the currently high number of Covid cases, I thought it might be helpful to share a general reminder about the Sunday Mass obligation.
As you know, we as Catholics fulfill the Lord’s Third Commandment to keep holy His Day (Sunday) by attending Mass in person on Sunday or Saturday evening. To fail in this obligation, freely and knowingly, without a good reason, is a grave sin that should be sacramentally confessed as soon as possible and before receiving Holy Communion.
However, the situation changes if there are extenuating conditions, like we might face this weekend. If, for a serious reason, you deem it might well be unsafe for you to attend Mass, then please stay home. Some examples of such serious reasons: there are bad road conditions due to weather; you are feeling ill (even slightly ill, in light of Omicron) or are caring for a loved one who is ill; you or someone in your home is waiting on a Covid result or were exposed to a positive case; or you have a health condition that makes you particularly vulnerable to infection and complication. In these or other situations, you don’t have to put yourself or others at risk by coming to Mass.
Remember that, if we don’t attend Sunday Mass, we *are* still obliged to do something to make the Lord’s Day holy. Perhaps we are able to follow along with a Mass online or on TV, or perhaps we take some time to pray with the Mass readings, to recite the Rosary, or to reflect upon God’s love and mercy. We owe it to God to do something to honor Him and to consecrate this one day of the week to rest and to give thanks to Him in love for all He has given us.
I hope this little review of what our Church teaches is helpful. It’s not a blanket permission to justify being flippant about our Mass attendance, but hopefully it guides you in making particular judgments according to your own circumstances. Remember that, in general, unless announced otherwise, all weekend Masses at Holy Rosary will be celebrated as scheduled since I reside nearby. Stay well and safe!
God bless you,
Fr. Andrew
Original source can be found here.
Source: Holy Rosary Church – Stuttgart
