Q: My brother just passed away, and my extended family are all meeting in a big city at a secular place for a reunion in his honor. I’m not sure whether I can make Sunday Mass. I am going to try, but it’s a very large group of people and kids. I go to Mass daily (except Saturday), and I was wondering if I don’t make Mass on Sunday, should I go to confession before I am able to take the Eucharist? I don’t want to take it with a mortal sin on my soul. — M.

Answered by Fr. Edward McIlmail, LC:

Please accept my condolences on the passing of your brother.

If you can make Mass, you should. This reunion wouldn’t be a valid reason for missing Mass. There is certainly a Saturday vigil or Sunday Mass near the place of the reunion.

Your attendance at Mass could be a powerful example to the rest of the family that you take your faith seriously.

If asked why you show up late at the reunion, you could say that you wanted to attend Mass and to offer that Mass for your brother’s soul. That would give the rest of the relatives something to think about.

The last thing you want to do is presume on God’s mercy and deliberately miss Mass. Our Lord deserves better.

Always put Our Lord first, and you can hope for a happy reunion with all your loved ones someday in eternity.