A Note from Fr. Dan

Why attend Mass?

Dear Parish Family,
One of the precepts of the Catholic Church is: “To assist at Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation.” To assist at Mass is more than simply showing up. Although attending is necessary; in fact to miss Mass on a Sunday or Holy Day of obligation, without serious or sufficient reason, is a serious (Mortal Offense). Thera are indeed serious or sufficient reasons to miss Mass, BUT inconvenience, or scheduling conflict with a social or athletic event are NOT (our Mass schedule gives ample opportunity to attend Mass as does the schedule of Masses at neighboring parishes which are listed on the front of our bulletin. We should also, to the best of our abilities, assist at Mass. This means being actively engaged (the word ‘Liturgy’ means work of the people.) We should participate in the Mass responses, listen as the Word of God is proclaimed: not read along in our Missal or (God forbid) read them on our cell phone or other ‘smart’ device. The Missal was originally for Masses that were in Latin with the English printed so that the faithful could follow. Now that the Mass is in the vernacular (language of the people) there is no need to read as the Mass is progressing. The Mass is neither a ‘spectator’ sport, simply a means of entertainment, nor is it a private devotion. We should not be reading the bulletin during Mass nor saying the Rosary, nor any other private devotion during Mass. We should also SING: I know that Catholics are notorious for not singing, but the tradition handed down by various Saints is ‘He/She who sings prays twice.’ I know people say; “I don’t like to sing” or “I can’t sing”. Everyone who has a voice can sing: some more loudly than others, some more in tune than others. As our music ministry is greatly improved, there is a tendency to sit back and let the Cantor, Choir or Musicians provide the music. Their ministry is not to take the place of the musical participation of the faithful, but to encourage and enhance it. (While I am here, we are always looking for more young people and adults to join the choir, folk group, and musicians). If God gave you musical talent, then by all means consider using it for His greater honor and glory and the good of His people. At Mass we encounter the Risen Lord Jesus in the gathering of the People, His Mystical Body on earth; where two or three gather in My name I am with them; when the Word of God is proclaimed; and in the reception of our Euchatistic Lord, Jesus. We can receive countless spiritual and temporal blessings and graces when we participate in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.

God Bless,

Fr. Dan