Dear David,

Missing Mass on Sunday is a mortal sin. Our must important duty as creatures and above all as redeemed human beings is to worship God. For us as Catholics the Sacrifice of the Mass is our central and greatest form of worship. Of course if one is sick - or otherwise disabled from attending - it is not a sin, but a person should do something to substitute, for example an hour of prayer or attending a daily Mass. But those things could never replace attendance at Mass itself.

Regarding deacons: If they are single when ordained, they must make a promise of celibacy. If married and their spouse dies, they may not remarry. I have heard of cases of dispensation, for instance if the deacon had small children.

God bless,

Fr. Phil Bloom

See discussion of Sunday Obligation

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