Hey there,

This week’s topic is one of the most important in our faith, but one that is sometimes overlooked … the Mass.

If you’re like me, there have been periods where you weren’t so good about attending Mass. For a variety of reasons.

I rediscovered Mass when I was in college …  and again later when I felt the responsibility to get my children to Mass. But truth be told, I’ve always struggled with consistently going.

About 3 years ago at Lent I decided to commit myself to a year of not missing Mass. Between my church, nearby churches, and those I found when travelling, I completed the year successfully, only missing a couple of times due to illness.

Then I kept going. And now, several years later, it’s no longer something I do as a short-term goal, but something that’s important to me every week.

Of course, it’s supposed to be that way. I know I’m a little late to the party. I mention this for the benefit of any one like me who may struggle with regularity … it’s not too late.

Gathering these resources has been a great refresher for me … and I learned a new thing or two. Topics covered include:

• Understanding the Mass
• The types of Masses and names for the Mass
• Preparing for Mass and getting more out of Mass
• Fasting before Mass and when to not go

I hope you’ll find something here that will deepen your love for the Mass. And if needed, inspiration to start your own commitment to attend Mass.

Keep Believing-

Katy Barrilleaux
Editor, Genuflect

Resources

Trouble Understanding the Mass? Here’s a Simple Explanation (Part 1) and (Part 2)

To take advantage of the great spiritual fruits that God gives us through the Eucharistic Celebration, we should know it, understand the gestures and symbols, and participate in it with reverence. This two-part series provides a very good explanation that will help you to better participate in this sacrifice.

The Many Types of Holy Mass and Church Rites Celebrated in Churches

Mass is the most important form of worship for Roman Catholics. There are four types of masses that are celebrated with regards to the style of the liturgy and the occasion for which it is heard as explained in this article.

5 Ways to Get Ready for Mass

Even those of us who love going to Mass on Sunday can have weeks when we don’t feel entirely present. Here are 5 ways to avoid those not-entirely-present occasions.

Eight Quick Tips For Getting More Out of Mass

Many people go to Mass with the expectation that they are supposed to “get” a lot out of it. But, what you get out of Mass is dependent on what kind of changes you are willing to make in your efforts before, during and after Mass. Here are 8 pointers to help you get more out of the Mass.

Catholic 101: The Sitting, Standing, and Kneeling of Mass

The more you understand about what is going on in a Mass, the more you are able to appreciate its beauty. Which is why this post focuses on the “why” of the sitting, standing, and kneeling of a Catholic Mass.

The 11 Holy Names for the Mass Every Catholic Needs to Know

The Mass is extremely important to the Christian life. As such, the Church has developed a number of different names to refer to it, all of which capture some important aspect of it. The Catechism of the Catholic Church lists and explains 11 such names.

How Has Canon Law Changed on Fasting Before Communion?

The rules on fasting before receiving the Eucharist have changed in the past several decades or so. Here’s a brief history of those changes and the current law as provided by Pope John Paul II in 1983.

When to Stay Home from Mass

When you should stay home from Mass on a Sunday or holy day of obligation is something a lot of Catholics wonder about. Here’s some information that will clear things up.

How You Can Help Parents Struggling with Young Children at Mass

Catholic families want to feel wanted in church. Unfortunately, instead of receiving a warm welcome, many of us are met with criticism, judgment and a general intolerance of the behavior of our little people. What if we asked ourselves, “How can I serve the people struggling in my pew?” instead of sitting silently and judging them. Here’s how you can help.

The 20 Types of People You’ll Meet at Mass–Which One Are You?

If you attend mass regularly chances are you know exactly who each of these people are. In fact, you (and I) are easily one of them. But remember – we are laughing with each other here. After all, the most important thing is that we are in mass at all. Which type of mass attendee are you?

Awesome Catholic Apps

It seems odd to say that we can use our smartphones to bring us closer to God. But thanks to some computer-savvy Catholic companies out there, it is becoming a reality. These Catholic apps might just be what you’re looking for to assist your walk with God, including one to help you find a Mass when you’re travelling, and another to help you follow along with Mass.

Evangelize

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Photo by Patrick Wittke on Unsplash