Daily Mass?

[Gidras05]

Recently I have been trying my hardest to become a more devout Catholic, and live like Christ did.

Now, I do have a job, and am studying in school, and as such, I do not often have time to myself for hobbies, relaxing, and generally enjoying my time with friends or alone. After work everyday, I’ve been attending mass.

Now, I attended Mass because I felt spiritually that I needed to, especially during this time. I have always known that it was our duty to attend Mass on Sundays, and on Holy Days of Obligation.

However, something bothered me. In my last confession, I casually asked the priest a question before leaving, which was “Are we obliged to go to Mass every day?”

His response was “The most important event in our life is to receive the Eucharist, and as such, while it is not an obligation, it is encouraged. If you do not go to Daily Mass, are you really living in the spirit of the Catholic Faith?”

I was at a loss for words. While it may not be an obligation, it essentially becomes one- since how could I justify to myself or to God that I decided that on a given Wednesday or Thursday, instead of going to Church right after work, I wanted to come home and do something else, ANYTHING else.

It’s not to say that going to Daily Mass is a burden, but it does indeed add a certain… pressure to my life. And something I was not expecting to have to do. I understand that it’s not a sin, but… at the same time… isn’t it? We’re not exactly exemplifying our faith and love for God if we choose not to go.

For that matter, what justification do we have for anything that we really do that doesn’t directly improve our relationship with God? If I decide, for example, to go hang out with friends for a board game night on a given Saturday, instead of say, helping in a soup kitchen and helping others… is that really living like Christ?

And lastly, what of scholarly pursuits? Is it really necessary to continue scholarly pursuits when we could be doing something spiritual (limited but not including attending Mass?)

I’m very uncertain about how to feel about this. Please advise, and if possible, with actual Church Doctrine. People’s opinions are great, but they don’t exactly help me feel better unless the Church expressly states that it’s alright to enjoy life as well, even if it means not going to mass DAILY (This is in no way an argument for skipping Sunday Mass).

 

[Gidras05]

I posted this in the Spirituality forum, but was not sure if this was the proper place to post, or if it would belong in Apologetics, since I’m pretty much requesting either Scripture or Church Doctrine on this matter:

Recently I have been trying my hardest to become a more devout Catholic, and live like Christ did.

Now, I do have a job, and am studying in school, and as such, I do not often have time to myself for hobbies, relaxing, and generally enjoying my time with friends or alone. After work everyday, I’ve been attending mass.

Now, I attended Mass because I felt spiritually that I needed to, especially during this time. I have always known that it was our duty to attend Mass on Sundays, and on Holy Days of Obligation.

However, something bothered me. In my last confession, I casually asked the priest a question before leaving, which was “Are we obliged to go to Mass every day?”

His response was “The most important event in our life is to receive the Eucharist, and as such, while it is not an obligation, it is encouraged. If you do not go to Daily Mass, are you really living in the spirit of the Catholic Faith?”

I was at a loss for words. While it may not be an obligation, it essentially becomes one- since how could I justify to myself or to God that I decided that on a given Wednesday or Thursday, instead of going to Church right after work, I wanted to come home and do something else, ANYTHING else.

It’s not to say that going to Daily Mass is a burden, but it does indeed add a certain… pressure to my life. And something I was not expecting to have to do. I understand that it’s not a sin, but… at the same time… isn’t it? We’re not exactly exemplifying our faith and love for God if we choose not to go.

For that matter, what justification do we have for anything that we really do that doesn’t directly improve our relationship with God? If I decide, for example, to go hang out with friends for a board game night on a given Saturday, instead of say, helping in a soup kitchen and helping others… is that really living like Christ?

And lastly, what of scholarly pursuits? Is it really necessary to continue scholarly pursuits when we could be doing something spiritual (limited but not including attending Mass?)

I’m very uncertain about how to feel about this. Please advise, and if possible, with actual Church Doctrine. People’s opinions are great, but they don’t exactly help me feel better unless the Church expressly states that it’s alright to enjoy life as well, even if it means not going to mass DAILY (This is in no way an argument for skipping Sunday Mass).

 

[bmullins]

I think you’re looking at it from the wrong perspective. It shouldn’t be a pressure, but a relief of pressure. To realize that Jesus is waiting there every single day with open arms to forgive your venial sins, to give you the grace to get through the day, to help you grow in faith and spirituality. When we see the opportunity to receive grace as a burden, then we know that our heart isn’t in the right spot.

When I lived next to my mother I had the ability to see her and my father, every single day. I came home from work and most of the time went to a friends house or just went to bed, or even played a computer game. I hardly ever went down to her house and she lived less than a mile from me. Now I live 600 miles away and I cherish those times that I can go see her and spend with her. This is how we should see mass. There is nothing wrong with spending time with friends and family. That’s part of friendship, spending time with someone we love. Is that 15-30 minutes a day that mass takes really stopping us from that though? I don’t make every daily mass, and I don’t beat myself up when I miss it. But I do feel bad when I miss it for a silly reason. Like missing it because I just didn’t feel like going, sitting at home watching the news instead of going the few blocks to my church.

It’s all about examining your heart and finding out how you truly feel about the Eucharist. If it truly is the source and summit of our faith, the living Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, and he truly is the center of our universe… then we’ll make time, even daily time, to spend with him.

As to our scholarly pursuits, there is nothing wrong with getting an education as long as we do it for God. Every action we do, from spending time to friends, going to church, visiting family, or even studying must be done for God. All of it. Make your study a prayer to God. Use your time with friends as prayer to God. Everything can be a way to spread the Gospel and to share that which we receive, that grace, Jesus Himself with the world!

 

[PJM]

=Gidras05;8938638]I posted this in the Spirituality forum, but was not sure if this was the proper place to post, or if it would belong in Apologetics, since I’m pretty much requesting either Scripture or Church Doctrine on this matter:

Recently I have been trying my hardest to become a more devout Catholic, and live like Christ did.

Now, I do have a job, and am studying in school, and as such, I do not often have time to myself for hobbies, relaxing, and generally enjoying my time with friends or alone. After work everyday, I’ve been attending mass.

Now, I attended Mass because I felt spiritually that I needed to, especially during this time. I have always known that it was our duty to attend Mass on Sundays, and on Holy Days of Obligation.

However, something bothered me. In my last confession, I casually asked the priest a question before leaving, which was “Are we obliged to go to Mass every day?”

His response was “The most important event in our life is to receive the Eucharist, and as such, while it is not an obligation, it is encouraged. If you do not go to Daily Mass, are you really living in the spirit of the Catholic Faith?”

I was at a loss for words. While it may not be an obligation, it essentially becomes one- since how could I justify to myself or to God that I decided that on a given Wednesday or Thursday, instead of going to Church right after work, I wanted to come home and do something else, ANYTHING else.

It’s not to say that going to Daily Mass is a burden, but it does indeed add a certain… pressure to my life. And something I was not expecting to have to do. I understand that it’s not a sin, but… at the same time… isn’t it? We’re not exactly exemplifying our faith and love for God if we choose not to go.

For that matter, what justification do we have for anything that we really do that doesn’t directly improve our relationship with God? If I decide, for example, to go hang out with friends for a board game night on a given Saturday, instead of say, helping in a soup kitchen and helping others… is that really living like Christ?

And lastly, what of scholarly pursuits? Is it really necessary to continue scholarly pursuits when we could be doing something spiritual (limited but not including attending Mass?)

I’m very uncertain about how to feel about this. Please advise, and if possible, with actual Church Doctrine. People’s opinions are great, but they don’t exactly help me feel better unless the Church expressly states that it’s alright to enjoy life as well, even if it means not going to mass DAILY (This is in no way an argument for skipping Sunday Mass).

My dear friend in Christ;

As a grandpa let me ask you a question.

Whos’ in CHARGE of you’re life? You or God?

The responsibility can’t be split.

You get to decide:thumbsup:

Love and prayers,
Pat

 

[LittleHannah]

Nothing on this Earth, nothing in heaven itself, gives more glory to God and abtains more benefits for us than a single Mass.

 

[jrdvdsj]

First of all, it is wonderful that you are seeking to strengthen your relationship with God and that daily Eucharist is part of this effort for you. How wonderful to be able to take a little time, to pray, to hear the Word of God, to hear a homily perhaps, to place your prayers with the prayers of all the faithful on the altar, to recall the Lord’s own sacrifice, to receive Him in Holy Communion, and to go out to the world, glorifying Him in your life! I commend you for your efforts, and I encourage you to do what you can to sustain them, trusting that the Lord will respond with all His own graces to help you!

However, there is no obligation whatsoever for a layperson to attend daily Mass. I cannot cite any doctrinal authority for this simply because I don’t know of any; there can be no teaching about a teaching that is not. Many great saints have encouraged daily Eucharist, but that is not official teaching. What is official is that we must honor the Sabbath a la the Commandments, which for Catholics quite clearly means undertaking all reasonable efforts to attend Sunday Mass, and similarly to honor Holy Days of Obligation a la Church law.

I suspect that what your confessor was trying to do was to encourage you to what you are already trying to do. It is true that the Eucharist is to be the source and summit of our spiritual lives and so it is truly wonderful when we can be present over and above what we are obligated to. But it is simply not obligatory.

Rest then in the consolation of offering the Lord a gift–the gift of your own presence and reverence in response to His Presence. And know that He is thrilled that you are there. And do not–not for a second–scruple over those days when you cannot be there. Because to do so would be to forget that your being there is not only your gift to Him, but also His gift to you! And sometimes, through many circumstances, He gives us other gifts. And those gifts–the gifts of friendship and family and home and recreation–can also strengthen our relationship with God. Even Jesus did not spend all His time in the temple or in prayer; He spent time with His mom and His dad, His friends, acquaintances, etc. And that is all pretty well documented. So try to do as He would do, which was not just to pray, but to greet each of the people His Father sent into His life, to enjoy them, to bring healing to them, and faith and hope and love. And pray and give thanks for them all whenever you get to church, whether every day or only on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation.

God bless your good efforts!

 

[DavidFilmer]

I think going to daily Mass would have a profound impact on my life. Unfortunately, I’m either too dumb or too lazy (or both) to do it.

 

[garn9173]

No question it’s hard for working adults and young adults in high school school or college to attend daily Mass. My Parish has daily Mass at 8:30am and when i’ve gone, at the age of 38, i’m pretty much the youngest person in attendance.

If you have time, I suggest catching daily Mass on EWTN (it’s on 3 times a day) and they do say a special prayer for those unable to receive communion.

If you feel a strong urge to attend daily Mass, I would also suggest visiting your Diocese website and see if any Parish’s in your area that may offer daily Mass at a time that works for you, even if it’s not your Parish. The daily Masses’ i’ve attended is normally less than half an hour. In my Diocese, several Parish’s at least once a week has daily Mass in the evening,

Look for a Catholic radio station in your area to listen to throughout the day, I find this to help me stay connected to our Faith as I return home to the Church. My local Catholic radio station has a live & local drive time morning show and twice during the show, a retired Priest delivers the Gospel reading for the day and provides a very brief Homily.

If you have an Android phone, download the Catholic One app from the Market. It features daily readings, prayers, Rosary, etc.

Finally, as been stated, you are under NO OBLIGATION to attend daily Mass Also, you need to have a social life, it’s fine to hang out with friends on a Saturday night rather than doing something charitable. I donate to Catholic Charities via the United Way campaign at my work…

 

[triumphguy]

There was a time when I went to Mass daily. I miss it deeply.

 

[Jenniferolg]

I LOVE daily Mass. I love it more than I love Sunday Mass. I love the smaller, more intimate “crowd,” I love how Father takes the time to prepare a homily just for us and often customizes it for us, I love that there are fewer distractions, I love that there is more emphasis on the Eucharist and Liturgy of the Word and less (or none) on music, I love that I usually know every other person in the church, I love that it takes about 20 - 30 minutes, I love that I get to receive Jesus in the Eucharist before work or in the evening after a tough day at work. I LOVE daily Mass.

If you can go, you should. Maybe not every day, maybe once a month? I can’t go every day because my family obigations and work schedule don’t allow it. When I can go, I consider it a blessing. A great blessing.

 

[jpjd]

Jenniferolg’s suggestion is great! If the thought of going to Mass DAILY makes you feel pressured, then you will not feel much peace about it. Try going just once a month or at least once in a while. Then when you feel comfortable with that, I won’t be at all surprised if you feel the urge to go more often. Just give it a try, once in a while. God bless.

 

[garn9173]

To the OP, this is my response in the other thread you started:

No question it’s hard for working adults and young adults in high school school or college to attend daily Mass. My Parish has daily Mass at 8:30am and when i’ve gone, at the age of 38, i’m pretty much the youngest person in attendance.

If you have time, I suggest catching daily Mass on EWTN (it’s on 3 times a day) and they do say a special prayer for those unable to receive communion.

If you feel a strong urge to attend daily Mass, I would also suggest visiting your Diocese website and see if any Parish’s in your area that may offer daily Mass at a time that works for you, even if it’s not your Parish. The daily Masses’ i’ve attended is normally less than half an hour. In my Diocese, several Parish’s at least once a week has daily Mass in the evening,

Look for a Catholic radio station in your area to listen to throughout the day, I find this to help me stay connected to our Faith as I return home to the Church. My local Catholic radio station has a live & local drive time morning show and twice during the show, a retired Priest delivers the Gospel reading for the day and provides a very brief Homily.

If you have an Android phone, download the Catholic One app from the Market. It features daily readings, prayers, Rosary, etc.

You are under NO OBLIGATION to attend daily Mass. Also, you need to have a social life, it’s fine to hang out with friends on a Saturday night rather than doing something charitable. I donate to Catholic Charities via the United Way campaign at my work…

Lastly, when you mention “scholarly pursuits”, what are you talking about? If you are talking about dropping out of school when you could be doing something spiritual, you need to discern the calling you have to a vocation, which you may have.

 

[Mrs_Sally]

No, you are not obligated to attend daily Mass. Espcially at this time of life when you are so busy, your duties as a lay person may not necessarily allow you to attend every day. Also, while the time of Mass may be convenient now, it may not always be that way.

I was able to attend daily Mass for several years, but my new job location has meant that I haven’t been to daily Mass consistently in about a year.

You should have as a goal to commit to a morning and evening prayer routine that you can always do whatever your state in life or work schedule. Something a simple as a morning offering and a decade or the rosary every day. Then if you can also attend daily Mass, that will be wonderful!

 

[odile53]

I love going to Adoration and Mass after work, like someone else said, it’s less distracting, and more prayerful than Sunday Mass for me, but that’s just me. Because of responsibilities I can only get to weekday Mass a couple of times a week. Those days I can’t, I feel cheated.

Not an official church doctrine, to be sure. The laity have no obligation to attend Mass every day, as you know. and Father may have been a little pointed and perhaps overboard in his remark to you about “are you really living a truly Catholic life?” I can understand why your thoughts shifted after that remark.

When I have the opportunity (such as when I’m on vacation, or I can get someone else to cover for me with my home responsibilities for the week,) I do go to daily Mass. For me it’s not something I have to do, it’s something I get to do!

The time I spend with Our Lord must be pleasing to Him, and actually, that time is pleasing to me. And I find that the company is just as pleasant when there are no particular crises going on in my life, and I can just sit there and bask in deep gratitude for the blessings He has so graciously given, and continues to give, to me.

 

[Gidras05]

After reading all your replies, I think I have a better insight as to the core and crux of my problem here.

It isn’t so much that I HAVE to go to Daily Mass, but that I should want to. However, no one suggests that this -want- is an easy thing to do at first. In order to want to attend Daily Mass, and in order to want to receive the Eucharist more often, I need to understand more about what it means to go to Daily Mass, and have a better relationship with what it means to receive the Eucharist.

To put it simply, I have to work on falling in love with Jesus Christ, and in what He did for us. It’s hard at first, even if I was brought up Catholic, because there’s something inherently backwards in the way I perceived the Catholic faith. Instead of doing the Sacraments and doing the obligations, and hoping to become closer to God, I should have been focusing on becoming closer to God first, and the Sacraments no longer become obligations, and Daily mass no longer becomes a “welcome” obligation, but instead becomes a welcome event that I look forward to every day, much like playing a video game or watching a movie or spending time with my girlfriend.

A young man my age approached me yesterday at Daily Mass, and after talking with him and asking him this, he made a great analogy. A relationship with Christ, in some respects, could be the same as a relationship with a girl. If you just met a girl, and are attracted to her (as in we’re attracted to our Faith based on the Moral Law), it’d be incredibly strange to hear “You must see me every Sunday, and if you don’t see me every day you’re not being a good boyfriend”. However, if you fall in love with said girl, that statement now becomes “I can’t wait to see you Sunday, so much so that I want to see you every day in between as well”.

In other words, like I mentioned before, I must work to fall in love with God, at least further so than I am now.

I also note that there is a law of Temperance, and that it can even pertain to holy things like prayer and Daily Mass attendance. At first I was like “Wait, how can one pray too much??” But this idea was brought up to me by the young man:

“Imagine that a particular person vows to pray 12 hours every day. While that is admirable and noble, on the third or fourth day, they will become incredibly exhausted, and incredible drained, and may even begin to resent their own vow, or prayer in general. In this sense, you are not getting closer to God, you are only doing yourself harm”. Therefore, in my spiritual journey with God, I have to ensure that I keep in mind that it is NOT an obligation, but it is indeed encouraged, and I should never “force” myself to go, because that defeats the purpose, and may even hurt my spiritual life.

Thank you everyone. I have read every one of your replies several times over, and I offer my sincere thanks. I will be going to mass Daily, because I am beginning to look forward to it, and it helps that there’s young people around me that are going through the same struggles. If I miss a mass for whatever reason (Daily Mass, not Sunday Mass), I won’t beat myself up for it, but I’ll take time out of my day to pray in its stead.

Thank you everyone.

 

[Gidras05]

Not an official church doctrine, to be sure. The laity have no obligation to attend Mass every day, as you know. and Father may have been a little pointed and perhaps overboard in his remark to you about “are you really living a truly Catholic life?” I can understand why your thoughts shifted after that remark.

Ah, in light of these revelations, I don’t believe he really was too overboard. At first I kind of thought so, but look at how much thinking I did based on that remark, and the revelations from this thread, which were caused by my asking this question, which was caused by him making that remark.

I think the priests as our spiritual guides should be making remarks like this from time to time to kind of “awaken” us into action, you know? In the Bible, Jesus made a great many remarks that could have been considered “pointed and perhaps overboard”, but even if they might be a little harsh, they completely served their purpose, and were intended to be that way.

At first I agreed with you, but now I think it may not have been such a bad thing =)