Mass when sick?

[LongingForLight]

I was wondering if there is any kind of rule in the church about whether or not a person who is sick should miss Sunday Mass. I've got a bad case of hay fever (blowing my nose regularly, sneezing, etc.), and am trying to figure out if it is recommended for someone who is ill to stay home. Anyone know what the official teaching / recommendation is?

 

[bigsierra]

Here is what the CCC says:

2181 The Sunday Eucharist is the foundation and confirmation of all Christian practice. For this reason the faithful are obliged to participate in the Eucharist on days of obligation, unless excused for a serious reason (for example, illness, the care of infants) or dispensed by their own pastor.119 Those who deliberately fail in this obligation commit a grave sin.

http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p3s2c1a3.htm#I

 

[Rosa Mystica]

Ethel,

I would say it depends on how sick you are. If it's just a mild cold and you're functioning okay, then I'd say definitely go to Mass. If, on the other hand, you're to ill to function normally, then there is no obligation.

 

[ps139]

I'd say that if you are sick but you can still go out and do things, or go to work or school, then you should go to Mass too. But if you are sick that you don't go out of the house, then you should not go to Mass either. Just use your common sense, God would rather you recuperate and recover quicker than you go out and dont rest, and end up staying sick longer.