August 15 - Holy Day of Obligation

August 10, 2008 - St. Joseph Church Bulletin, Girardville, PA

A few words to those who — all things considered and given their druthers — would druther go to Heaven than go to Hell:

First of all, let me affirm you in your desire to go to Heaven rather than Hell.  You have made the right decision.  Now, all you need to do is supplement your decision with actions.  In regard to that, please note that Friday, 15 August, is the Solemnity known as THE ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, BODY AND SOUL, INTO HEAVEN or, for short, THE ASSUMPTION.

Church Law commands all Catholics who are not excused for a serious reason to attend Mass this coming Friday (or Thursday vigil).Persons who are excused include, but are not limited to, the following:  (a) persons who are so sick they cannot leave the house without harm to themselves or to others; (b) persons who have fallen down and can’t get up; (c) persons who have gotten up but can’t fall down; (d) astronauts currently in orbit around one of the outer planets of this solar system or any planet of some other solar system; (e) persons who are certifiably deceased.

So, please make sure you get to Mass this coming Friday (or Thursday afternoon or evening.)  To do so is a serious obligation.  If a person, with full knowledge and full consent of the will, were to refuse to fulfill this obligation, he or she would be committing a mortal sin.  Trust me:  you don’t want to be in the state of mortal sin!