An honest confession.. (not the Sacrament kind)

[Tony]

I have not been to Mass  (or a lot of places) since  Covid went crazy back in March. Obligation  is dispensed during this pandemic but I wanted to get it out there anyway. I've been pretty healthy (as far as  I know) but this whole thing has me pretty skittish. I really do miss going to Mass, and I never thought I would say this, but I'm thinking staying home is the best move until we are past this pandemic.

 

*exhales* 

[Hna.Caridad]

You're not alone.  I would feel a lot safer if the Masses were less crowded and the priest/lectors/cantors wore masks at all times.  The only Mass I've attended in-person since the pandemic reached my region had way too many people placed way too close together for the amount of singing and mask removal that was happening.  I probably won't go back until I get the vaccine--I'm around enough vulnerable people that I don't want to risk bringing COVID home.  I've enjoyed "visiting" different parishes for virtual Mass, and I'm looking forward to attending an in-person Mass that doesn't run the risk of becoming a fatal encounter for someone.

[elizabeth09]

I know that pain a little.  You are right about the obligation is dispense.  I been going back to Mass.  Partly because I miss it.  I did not feel right that Mass was live stream and I was watching it from my living room.  If you do not feel right going back right away, then I will back you up.  

[MIKolbe]

I understand where you are coming from. I am grateful for the dispensation from my Bishop. I go to Mass in the parking lot and listen to it on the radio. I do make it inside on Saturday mornings, as the crowd is very small.  There is a neighboring parish that offers adoration in their parking lot (The Blessed Sacrament is in the church, by the window which can be seen from the parking lot)

I am also grateful for the wonderful hand sanitizer my parish has, it smells really nice.

[chrysostom]

I don't think I could manage without Mass any longer than I did during the initial lockdown. It was horrifically demoralising. (That is not to say I'm going to judge anyone for still staying away!)

[Anastasia]

I am with chrysostom on that matter.

In fact, In experienced closing down the cathedral as a massive betrayal (for two reasons: 1) take always and bottle shops remained open 2) it was possible to organize Mass in a way it does not endanger people more than anything else that was permitted. Actually, it boiled down to the fact that the Church agreed that it was "secondary" and that was a betrayal.

As I recall I was occasionally afraid to go to a supermarket but not to the church. To me a church is a place of safety, no matter what happens. And it is precisely in difficult times people need Sacraments.

[Chiquitunga]

I’ve been going to Mass and the Sacraments as much as possible. I would not stay away. Maybe that’s all I’ll say... The Eucharist & Confession are far more essential than material needs and we take a little risk to go shopping. 

Edited January 5, 2021 by Chiquitunga
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[Ash Wednesday]

I would say the situation varies depending on circumstances of outbreak and where someone is, what their health is, or the health of the people they live with. We have a dispensation here in the UK. If I were alone, it would be easier to go on a regular basis. But it's been pretty dicey being able to go to mass without distressing my husband, especially since England is now on their 3rd lockdown. I've been able to go a small amount of times between lockdowns. The frustrating thing is the UK has struggled to get any kind of handle on this at all, at least where I am in London/Southeast. We're in the second lockdown in the past 3 months and cases skyrocketed with Christmas. I'm angry and I'm tired of it. 

[elizabeth09]

We have the dispensation as well.  I don`t know when it will end.  But my family and I are going back.

But I have to wear the mask.  I don`t mind as much, because I feel like it is protecting the priest health.