When Does Mass Really Begin?

Have you ever asked, “When does Mass really begin?” 

We would probably answer with the entrance song.  Actually, Mass begins way before then.  Mass begins the moment we decide that we want to join others as a faith community to worship God.  Some people do this during the day on Saturday or upon rising on Sunday morning.  Others prepare for Mass already during the week by reading the Scriptures for Sunday.  For others, this decision may be just “something we do” out of habit.  Everyone at Mass has made a decision to come together to worship God.  (Nationally, 60 percent of Catholics decide NOT to attend weekly Mass.  Parishes must be creative in finding ways to invite them to return.)  Our decision to gather for Sunday Mass already moves us towards God.

Another question is, “Why do we choose to join with our fellow Catholics to worship God each weekend?”  How we answer this question may determine our level of actively participating in Mass.

“Why do we choose to join with our fellow Catholics to worship God each weekend?”  The answers are as varied as the people.  Here are some responses parishioners have shared with me:  1) I want to be with everyone, 2) fear of committing mortal sin and God’s punishment, 3) God’s Third Commandment and church law require my attendance, 4) I want to get something out of it, 5) I need to be spiritually refreshed, 6) I enjoy Mass.  The reasons ran the gamut!  We sometimes come to Mass because it’s our duty.  Other times we really believe that worshipping God at Mass is the right thing to do.  And everything in-between.

The question “Why do I come to Mass?” is vital.  Our answer will determine our level of participation.  The more positive our motivation, the greater will our active participation be.  Coming only out of a sense of obligation may not motivate us to participate with hearts full of praise. Coming because God will punish us may lead us just to do the bare minimum of being present.  However, if we really want to be at Mass, then our worship potentially can shake the roofs off our churches, something I have yet to see anywhere!  Our liturgical “job retraining” encourages us to wrestle with this question: “Why do I come to Mass?” 

Catholic worship has many names.  “Mass” refers to the Latin phrase used at the end of the Tridentine Mass “Ite, Missa est” (“Go, the Mass is ended”) expressing our mission to bring Christ’s love to the world.  Our worship is also called “Eucharist,” meaning “thanksgiving” (as creatures, this is the proper attitude we need to cultivate within ourselves towards God, the giver of all good gifts).  Another word used for the Mass is “Liturgy,” meaning “the work of the entire people.”

“Liturgy” reminds us that the Mass does not depend solely on whether the homily was up to snuff; nor upon the lectors, musicians or choir.  “Liturgy” means that the participation of all those present is crucial – whether we serve in a liturgical ministry, sing or respond to the prayers.  This can never be emphasized enough – “the active participation in Mass impacts the fact of all those present.”  We have all experienced this at various times.  Singing and praying “with gusto” by everyone inspires everyone present.  If our participation is half-hearted, our worship can fail to impact the entire community.  We must remember that we are never at Mass just for ourselves, but for others – just as Christ gives himself to us as food in the Mass, we are to give of ourselves through our active participation in worship.

Father Sauer continues his series on the Mass in the March 4 issue of The Message.