Thank you for your input. nt

It's best to give others the benefit of the doubt as to their intentions re Mass attendance.

Speaking as a senior, I know from experience that an older person (and sometimes others not so old) are not always able to attend Mass as regularly as they might wish.
Weather and conditions bad weather brings, distance, chronic health problems, and a myriad of other reasons can prevent someone from attending Mass.
While I personally like and enjoy attending Mass, and have made that a life choice for myself, when something prevents me from attending I no longer worry about it, believing that God has let me live this long and knows my physical condition and my intentions.
I see no personal need to speak with a priest about it -a given priest will either understand or not. - It does not matter as my conscience has determined that no sin was committed.

I notice that this thread began several years ago. - I wonder why it was resurrected at this time.

So sorry for your loss, especially the shock to you.

You may want to make sure your Mother has received/opened your FB message to her.
Some people do not read or open FB for days.
If the relationship was strained, it would still be hurtful to her to have to find out via the newspaper or people outside your family.
Did your Dad have any living siblings, nieces, nephews? Again, people always appreciate being informed.

Others will help you through this. Glad your girlfriend is there with you.
Peace.

You're correct, passiveporcupine. Many of my family and friends are

Republican, and they're basically decent people, though I don't agree with their political reasoning and leanings.
I stay away from political discussions with them most of the time.
Family knows my political identification but blood is stronger than ideology and pride, so, with those that disagree, we just don't go there.
I just try to be very well- informed with facts, so that when something political needs clarifying, I can do it without getting angry or personal.

I too find these recent appointments disappointing.

It doesn't make any difference how many other past presidents have done the same.

How many years ago was it that (then-Senator) Jim Bunning of KY predicted

Justice Ginsburg would be dead in a matter on months?
Who even knows or cares what Jim Bunning is doing today?

Senator Sherrod Brown of Ohio for VP with HRC candidacy?

That's what's Chris Matthews (Tweetie) is pushing on MSNBC.
Matthews interviewed Sen, Brown on his show this evening, and referred to the Senator as Mr. Vice President.

Now, I like Senator Brown, I like Hillary Clinton, and I sometimes like Chris Matthews.
However, I do believe it's premature to be naming anyone Mrs. Clinton's running mate.
What do other DU/Ohioans think?

Giving to one's church is considered "charitable giving" for tax purposes,

which candidates (or some people in general) equate with true charity,
But, you're correct, we do agree that there is a difference between giving from obligation and true charity.

As for foundations, this is a type of giving where the donor not only has a strong interest but also a certain control over the manner in which the funds are spent.
To the subject at hand, atheists can, and hopefully will, recognize the needs of people and society and step up to the task of providing assistance where needed.
As a Christian, I'm conscious of a certain smugness re "having it right" that can envelope Christians, religious or non-religious people, especially in regard to their charitable giving.

Giving or supporting one's church is not the same as charitable giving.

If one belongs (has membership) in a given church, one accepts the obligation to support the ongoing needs - salaries, utilities, etc.
Charitable giving is a more free act, where one donates money or goods, without the obligation that membership in a church brings.

Buying a no-style swimsuit from Lands End catalogue because it's on sale.

And I don't care that people think I'm too old and large to be in swimming pool.