There have been some changes to the Mass. Here’s why…(with a lot of great resources below). First, the essence of the Mass is not changing, there have just been some improvements to how we celebrate the Mass in English. The text of the Mass is contained in what’s called the “Roman Missal,” and this latest [...]
There is an estimated (at least) 350,000 Catholic Masses celebrated every day on planet Earth. It is celebrated in every nook and cranny on the planet, by every race and nationality, and using every language. And each of these Masses is celebrated (generally) using the same scripture readings and the same prayers. Every single one [...]
The usual liturgical color for Advent is purple (similar to Lent) to remind us that this is a penitential season. It is particularly an appropriate time for special prayers and fasting to prepare for the coming of Jesus Christ into the world at Christmas. And it’s not solely a remembrance or anniversary of when Christ [...]
Free MP3 downloads are always nice. And they’re even better when they teach you about the Catholic Mass and how to get more out of it. GET THEM HERE as a part of the Faith and Reason Podcast by Marcel LeJeune.
The short answer: Yes. (CCC 2041-2042) And not only are we required to go, but it is considered a grave matter of sin if we do not go (and otherwise reasonably could have gone). From the beginning, the Church has always seen this as the primary (and bare minimum) fulfillment of the 3rd commandment: Keep [...]
So where does the word Christmas come from anyway? Well, it’s simply the words “Christ” and “Mass” put together. Christ – referring to Jesus Christ – means “Anointed.” And the “Mass” in Christianity is the celebration of the Eucharist – Jesus’ body and blood made present (also known as the Lord’s Supper…instituted by Christ at [...]
