On Attending Mass
John Michael Talbot

The Catholic Church states that if you can go to Church and don't, it is a sin, or missing the mark of perfection and centerdness. If you cannot and don't, then it is not a sin. Physical, and even psychological, reasons, as well as emergencies events and circumstances, are pastorally considered valid with appropriate pastoral input.

This is all based on the scripture," forsake not the assembling of yourselves together," in Hebrews, the Old Testament commandment to, "keep the Sabbath Day holy," and the scriptural, and early Church, celebration of the first day of the week, Sunday, the Day of Resurrection, as the commanded Day of assembly, as contrasted to the Jewish observance of the Sabbath on the seventh day of the week, or Saturday. As understood by the early Church, this helps fulfill the Old Testament Commandment to keep the Sabbath day holy, from a New Testament perspective.

Also keep in mind that it was the normal practice of the early Church to celebrate the Eucharist when they gathered. This was a sacramental sign of, and spiritual tool to effect and strengthen, the unity of the believers in the person of Christ.

The Church puts the moral obligation of participating in these gatherings into the language of sin in order to emphasize the importance of gathering together and participating in the celebration of the sacraments for the average, or even minimal, lay member. She is well aware that the more spiritually mature do not normally need such motivation. This ensures that the less mature Christian participates on a regular basis in the life of the Church.

I have always said that one of the beauties of the Catholic Church is that she throws her net far and wide in the parish expression, but also encourages those who wish to pursue a more radical approach through the monastic life, or especially consecrated, tradition. Most of Catholic legislation regarding these kinds of things refer to the parish expression, and are concerned with keeping the minimal expression, at least functionally, integral.

Holy Days are a separate related, but distinct, issue. These are major feast days that sometimes fall outside of Sundays. Some of these are Holy Days of Obligation, meaning that the Catholic of good standing will come if at all possible.

Technically, to remain a fully active Catholic, you must receive Communion on Easter Sunday. This implies that one's spiritual life is pastorally assessed by an ordained presbyter/priest, or bishop, through participation in the sacrament of Penance, or Confession. Through this ministry all of the other issues are, at least minimally, treated through the truth, and forgiveness of Jesus Christ in the participant who approaches the sacraments with faith and good will.

John Michael Talbot