The Patrick Madrid Show Is it a Sin to Miss Mass On Sunday for Work? (Special Podcast Highlight)
Here’s the scoop from The Patrick Madrid Show when Maria from Oshkosh, Wisconsin called in with a very real Catholic dilemma. She asked:
"If a job makes someone work on Sundays, is it a sin to miss Mass?"
"Can I just go during the week instead?"
Here’s what Patrick had to say:
Not a Sin If…
- Your job genuinely requires Sunday work and it’s outside your control (think: 👮♀️ police officers, doctors, nurses, emergency responders: people who keep the world turning).
-You're trying to make it to Mass, but it's just not possible due to your shift.
God knows your heart. If it’s not your fault, you’re not sinning.
It IS a Sin If…
- You could go to Mass but choose not to because:
- Overtime looks good
- It’s more convenient to skip
Basically, if it’s in your power to get to Mass and you just don’t make it a priority? Yeah… not good. That’s skipping out on a serious obligation.
Weekday Mass? Good! But Not a Substitute
- Going to Mass on, say, a Tuesday or Wednesday doesn’t “count” for Sunday.
- Exception: Saturday Vigil Mass (after 4pm) does fulfill the Sunday obligation. The Church made that concession because… life happens.
Real Life Example
Maria’s husband works Friday through Monday, 12–14-hour days. There's no time for Mass.
Patrick said that if there’s no humanly possible way to go, and it’s beyond your control... it’s not a sin.
If he can adjust things: maybe shift hours or snag Saturday evening off? He should. Gotta do what you can to keep that Sunday holy
If you can make it to Sunday Mass, you must.
If you truly can’t because of work and you’ve tried? God gets it. It's not a sin.
Weekday Mass = awesome! But not a Sunday sub.
Saturday Vigil? Yes, that works.
Final Thought
We all have to work, but God also knows when you're doing your best. Just don’t treat Sunday Mass like it’s optional; it's a commandment, not a suggestion. Remember: Mass isn’t just an obligation… it’s a gift.