Here’s the scoop from The Patrick Madrid Show when Maria from Oshkosh, Wisconsin called in with a very real Catholic dilemma 😬. She asked:
“If a job makes someone work on Sundays, is it a sin to miss Mass?”
“Can I just go during the week instead?”
Here’s what Patrick had to say:
😇NOT a Sin If…
-Your job genuinely requires Sunday work and it’s outside your control (think: 👮♀️police officers, 👨doctors, 👩nurses, emergency responders: people who keep the world turning).
-You’re trying to make it to Mass, but it’s just not possible due to your shift.
God knows your heart. If it’s not your fault, you’re not sinning.
😬BUT It IS a Sin If…
-You could go to Mass but choose not to because:
-💰 Overtime looks good
-💤 It’s more convenient to skip
Basically, if it’s in your power to get to Mass and you just don’t make it a priority? Yeah… not good. That’s skipping out on a serious obligation.
⛪️ Weekday Mass? Good! But Not a Substitute
-Going to Mass on, say, a Tuesday or Wednesday doesn’t “count” for Sunday.
-Exception: Saturday Vigil Mass (after 4pm) ✅ does fulfill the Sunday obligation. The Church made that concession because… life happens.
📅 Real Life Example
Maria’s husband works Friday through Monday, 12–14-hour days. There’s no time for Mass.
Patrick said that if there’s no humanly possible way to go, and it’s beyond your control… it’s not a sin.
If he can adjust things: maybe shift hours or snag Saturday evening off? He should. Gotta do what you can to keep that Sunday holy 🙏
TL;DR
✨ If you can make it to Sunday Mass, you must.
✨ If you truly can’t because of work and you’ve tried? God gets it. It’s not a sin.
✨ Weekday Mass = awesome! But not a Sunday sub.
✨ Saturday Vigil? Yes, that works.
Final Thought 💭
We all have to work, but God also knows when you’re doing your best. Just don’t treat Sunday Mass like it’s optional; it’s a commandment, not a suggestion. Remember: Mass isn’t just an obligation… it’s a gift. 🎁💒
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