Hey there,
When the Coronavirus pandemic hit in 2020, our lives quickly changed.
We self quarantined.
We learned how to work from home.
How to buy what we needed online.
And even how to worship Mass online … thanks to a dispensation from our Sunday Obligation.
It’s been different for everyone, depending on what part of the country you live in. But everyone has adjusted to a “new normal.”
2 years later, we’re still adjusting. And many of us have not yet returned to in-person Mass.
I went back to in-person Mass on Good Friday last year. I’ve watched people, like me, slowly come back.
But in my church, we’re still not back to pre-pandemic numbers. Even despite the Bishop lifting our dispensation recently.
So this week’s Genuflect revisits our Sunday Obligation. What it is, what counts towards our obligation, reasons to go to Mass, reasons not to go to Mass, Mass etiquette, and the types of people we encounter at Mass.
There are valid reasons to miss Mass and it’s a personal decision we each make. Whether you’re back in the pew now, or will be in the near future, learning more about our Holy Mass is always time well spent.
Keep Believing-
Katy Barrilleaux
Founding Editor, Genuflect
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What Mass is
The cold hard fact is that a majority of Catholics do not regularly attend Mass. Whether that’s been the case for years or just during the Coronavirus Pandemic, Marcellino D’Ambrosio wants us to better understand what the Mass is and the four ways we experience Christ in the Mass … and only in the Mass.
Here’s Why You Should go to Mass | Catholic Answers
Sunday Obligation Explained
Let’s go back to the basics. Here’s a quick explainer as to just what our Sunday Obligation is according to the Catechism of the Catholic Church … and when it can be dispensed.
What is the Sunday obligation for Catholics? | Aleteia
Masses That Count
It may not be enough to understand that we need to attend Sunday Mass. We also need to know which Masses will fulfill our obligation. Timing is everything … and what about Masses for other purposes that have different readings? Here’s what you need to know.
Which Mass Fulfills my Sunday Obligation? | Canon Law Made Easy
8 Reasons to go to Mass
Archbishop Fulton Sheen once said “If you don’t get anything out of Mass, it’s because you don’t bring the right expectations to it.” If you need a little help setting your expectations, here are 8 reasons to go to Mass.
8 Reasons to Go to Mass | Catholic Education
When to Stay Home
Some parishes have lifted the dispensation from the Sunday Obligation while others still have it in place. If you’re wondering if it’s okay to stay home … or just would like a refresher as to when it’s okay to stay home, this article has all the details.
Explainer: Your Bishop Said It’s Time to Come Back to Church. Is it a Sin if You Don’t go? | America Magazine
The Weather’s Affect
Depending on where you live, and the time of year, you may be dealing with snow, ice, tornadoes, or hurricanes. Fr. Ryan Hilderbrand sets the record straight about how the weather can affect our Sunday Obligation. And how to know when it’s that bad.
Is Missing Mass Okay Because of Bad Weather? 3 Things to Consider, According to This Parish Priest | ChurchPOP
Mass Etiquette
And when we get to Mass, let’s make sure we’re doing everything properly. Here’s an oldie but a goodie from 2019 on Mass etiquette. If you don’t know what Orans Posture is, you don’t want to miss this one!
Perfect Practice Makes Mass Perfect | Genuflect
7 Kinds of People at Mass
To lighten things up a bit, here are the 7 types of people we see in church each Sunday. Which one are you?
7 Kinds of People You See at Church Every Sunday | ChurchPOP
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