Are Catholics required to attend Sunday Mass?
Judy was teaching religion to the sixth graders on Wednesdays. That day the lesson was the precepts of the Church. The first precept said, “You shall attend Mass on Sundays and holy days of obligation.” As she was explaining a young one interrupted, “Why? My mom and dad don’t go. So I can’t get to church either. Why do we have to go?” She was joined by a chorus of voices in the class, “Why?” Judy had to postpone the discussion in depth to the next class. Thus she got some time to find all the relevant information. There are quite a few who have made it a practice to drop the children off in the religion classes on Wednesdays, but never attend Sunday Mass with them. The fact that their number is on the increase does not make it objectively right. There is a basic flaw in that practice that is becoming current.
The Catholic Church is a community of believers directed by the “law of Christ” (Gal 6.2). The individual Christian in communion with all the baptized has privileges as well as obligations in the Church in accordance with the teachings of the Church. These teachings embody rules, commandments and virtues proceeding from faith in Christ. That is how the precepts of the Church become important.
Worship of God is the primary duty of every believer since we are His creatures and we receive from Him not only our existence but every other good gift as well. It is also an awesome privilege, a precious opportunity to encounter in prayer the creator of the universe who loves us beyond measure. The ancient Jewish people recognized it and made every effort to frequent the temple in Jerusalem and offer sacrifices and prayers. The Ten Commandments of God laid it down as a duty and privilege for the Israelites. The third Commandment demanded “to keep holy the Sabbath day” by setting it apart for worship and rest (see Ex 2:8-11). The Church now applies that ‘Sabbath principle’ to Sundays and holy days of obligation, when Mass attendance and resting from work are prescribed. Jesus’ resurrection took place on the first day of the week which was Sunday. The early Christians called it “the Lord’s day” (see Acts 20:7; 1Cor 16:2) The Catechism of the Catholic Church states, “Sunday worship fulfills the moral command of the OldCovenant, taking up its rhythm and spirit in the weekly celebration of the creator and redeemer of his people” (#2176). Following the apostolic tradition the celebration of the Eucharist is at the heart of the Sunday observance. The Christian assembly gathers together on the day of Jesus’ resurrection to celebrate the Lord’s Supper. “We should not stay away from our assembly, as is the custom of some, but encourage one another. . .” (Heb 10:25)
As Judy was explaining it to the class there came the question; “Is it a sin not to go to church?” Sunday Eucharist is the very foundation of the Christian practice of religion. This obligation is a serious one so much so the Catechism says, “Those who deliberately fail in this obligation commit a grave sin.” (#2181) Judy herself was rather surprised at the heavy importance the Church places on this Christian duty. She did not fail to remind her class of the seriousness of the obligation. The parents had an even greater responsibility. “Every Christian should avoid making unnecessary demands on others that would hinder them from observing the Lord’s Day” (Catechism of the Catholic Church # 2195). But the primary duty rests with the individual.
But a Catholic Christian does not go to church in order to fulfill the Sunday obligation. His faith impels him to worship his creator and redeemer; for him it is a right and a privilege to be in His presence at least for an hour in a week. His partaking of the Holy Eucharist nourishes his spiritual life and strengthens him for the challenges of the week ahead. Fr Xavier Thelakkatt