The Sunday Mass Obligation in a Time of Liturgical Crisis (Part 2)

What are distressed Catholics stuck in a terrible situation allowed to do... or, for that matter, not to do?

Hieronymus Bosch, Temptation of St. Anthony, showing a parody Mass contrasted with the true Mass (detail; source)

A Cry of Distress

Last week, I looked at what old manuals of moral theology had to say about circumstances that may excuse someone from attending Mass on days of obligation, such as “spiritual harm either to oneself or to another,” “a long way to church,” being on a journey, and the hindrance of a sin that would likely be committed if one attended. I quoted several authors but many more can be found who speak along the same lines, including such famous figures as St. Alphonsus Liguori, upon whom most of the more recent authors at least partially base their reasoning.

Today, let’s get into the nitty-gritty by having a look at a letter I received from a friend:

Dear Dr. K.,

I am hoping that you can reference some Church teaching on the current issue we are facing here. Unfortunately, I am well aware that our problem is not a unique one in the Church today. During the past year and a half, in all the parishes of our city, we have seen infuriating and heart-stopping behavior: heretical homilies, the words of consecration changed, desecration of the Eucharist, being denied communion on the tongue. Our bishop ignores all letters, will not take calls, and refuses to see us.

My husband continues to search for a job in a place that has a Latin Mass, but until then we are stuck here, making trips to Masses when we can.

I do not think I can go to Mass here anymore. The Novus Ordo is indescribably painful and I cannot stand to take my children to witness the evil. Covid has definitely been a catalyst for some of the abominations we see, although we are also just waking up to some of the evils that have always been there. During a visit a few months ago, Fr. N. spoke on how the Novus Ordo retards the progress of souls and said in some cases there can be a moral obligation not to go, especially if one has children. However, he was hesitant to give specific advice.

Do you have any thoughts/resources to help guide us through the discernment of not attending Mass here? What are the moral implications?

God Bless,
Catholic in Distress