Hi! I'm 12 years old and understand that it is a mortal sin to miss Sunday Mass. When I ask my mom to take me, she says she doesn't have time. When I ask if I can call one of my friends or my aunt so that I could go with them, she says I'm not to bother them. The church is too far for me to walk.

I'm really worried about if I am committing a mortal sin and even worried that my mom may be also. Can you help me figure this out? I haven't confessed it yet as I only go to religious education classes once a week and our confession schedule isn't set up yet.

Bobby--

If you are trying to go to Mass but cannot due to circumstances outside your control, then please do not worry. You have not done anything wrong. I don't know why your mom won't take you to Mass, or allow friends or relatives to take you along with them. Perhaps she has reasons she cannot share right now. But parishes often have volunteers willing to take people to Mass who cannot get there without assistance. Perhaps you might explain your dilemma to your religious education teacher and ask for help in presenting possible solutions to your mom. God bless.

Michelle Arnold
Catholic Answers

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