St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church
Welcome
Charlotte, NC
Weather Updates
Holy Mass & Confessions
- Saturday 10:00 a.m. Mass is as usual.
- Saturday 4:00 p.m. Confessions are as usual.
- Saturday 5:30 p.m. Anticipated Mass is as usual.
- Sunday 7:30, 9:30, & 11:30 a.m. Masses are as usual.
- Sunday 5:00 p.m. Mass is tentative, and we will update you no later than 2:00 p.m. tomorrow.
~ Also, a reminder, Bishop Martin has dispensed the faithful from Mass this weekend due to the severe weather. See more about this in the section about the Sunday Obligation ~
~ If you do make it, please drop offertory envelopes, cash, or checks in basket or give to the priest after Mass. ~
The Perpetual Adoration Chapel
The Most Blessed Sacrament has been reposed, and the Perpetual Adoration Chapel will be closed until the storm is over and the roads are safe again. We will update here, as well as send a message to all registered adorers.
In your kindness, please remember the parish in the offertory
Another weekend of snow means another week of steep drop in offertory.
The way we keep our lights on, the heat running, and the salt on the walkways is funded through general offertory.
We are so grateful for those who dropped off their offertory envelopes during office hours this week.
You can also contribute through Online Giving.
Thank you for your patience as we navigate this winter. Ice and snow, bless the Lord!
The Sunday Mass Obligation & Severe Weather; a balance between profound duty and compassionate mercy
The Church teaches that attending Sunday Mass is a serious obligation for the faithful, rooted in the Third Commandment to keep holy the Lord's Day. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 2181) states clearly: "The Sunday Eucharist is the foundation and confirmation of all Christian practice. For this reason the faithful are obliged to participate in the Eucharist on days of obligation, unless excused for a serious reason (for example, illness, the care of infants) or dispensed by their own pastor. Those who deliberately fail in this obligation commit a grave sin."
This obligation reflects the centrality of the Eucharist in Catholic life—the re-presentation of Christ's sacrifice and the source of grace that unites believers with our Triune God and one another. Deliberately missing Mass without a just cause is considered grave matter, and with full knowledge and consent, it constitutes mortal sin.
However, the Church is not rigid or unreasonable in applying this precept. Canon law and pastoral guidance recognize that human circumstances can make attendance physically or morally impossible, or involve serious inconvenience or risk. Severe weather is a classic example of such a "serious reason." Blizzards, hurricanes, flash floods, ice storms, or other extreme conditions that make travel unsafe—whether due to impassable roads, whiteout visibility, or danger to life and limb—excuse the faithful from the obligation.
Individual Catholics are called to exercise prudential judgment: if venturing out would endanger oneself or others (such as risking accidents or stranding), staying home is not only permissible but prudent. The Church does not demand heroism in the face of genuine peril; safety and charity toward family and neighbors take precedence.
In such cases, the obligation is removed, but the spirit of the Lord's Day remains. The faithful are encouraged to sanctify the time through personal or family prayer, reading the Sunday Scriptures, or—if available—watching a televised or streamed Mass (though this does not fulfill the obligation when attendance was possible).
Ultimately, the Sunday Mass precept balances profound duty with compassionate mercy. It calls Catholics to prioritize worship when able, while freeing them from guilt when serious obstacles like severe weather intervene. This flexibility underscores the Church's wisdom: the law exists to draw souls closer to Christ, not to burden them unduly.
Upcoming Events & Opportunities:
Adoration, Prayer, Service, Guest Preachers, Retreats, Fellowship, Resources, & More!
If we were all where we needed to be already, one Holy Mass would be sufficient to make us Saints and get us to Heaven. There is no lack in Jesus Christ in Holy Communion; in His one sacrifice for our salvation. We need Sunday Mass, but we need so much more. Confession, Eucharistic Adoration, Fellowship, Scripture Study, the Lives of the Saints, Ongoing Study of the Teachings of the Faith, Service to our Neighbor, and Deep Prayer. Do your best to plug into Mass, and as much else as you are able! We have lots of different things happening here at the parish. We hope to see you at some of it!
Some of the ways you can support our Parish
All you Holy Men and Women, Saints of God, pray for us!
Omnes Sancti et Sanctae Dei, orate pro nobis!
