Fear And Missing Mass

[Ada]

If you miss going to Mass on Sunday a lot because of having some fears, is it a mortal sin? The fears make you avoid going.
Is fear a sin?

[CatherineM]

Fear isn't a sin because you can't control it. There were times my husband couldn't attend mass on Sundays because the volume of people caused his schizophrenia symptoms to get worse. He went to mass on Monday or Tuesday instead. He can't control having a mental illness. Some people have severe anxiety issues, and if that is the case for you, just talk to your priest about it, and see if you can work something out to ease your concerns about it being a sin. I'd also recommend seeing a counselor or therapist. There are treatments available if it is a social anxiety disorder.