What is Mass, to YOU?

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Hey everyone!
I’m a student at a college in Southern California and I’m doing a ethnography on a Catholic church in my local area. As a tool to aid in my research, I’ve constructed a simple 8 question survey and I was hoping that the members on Catholic Answers could help me out by taking a few minutes to answer these simple questions.

Thanks in advance to anyway who participates! 🙂

Please respond honestly and in at least 1 to 2 sentences as appose to single word answers
Name (or nickname):
Age:
Date (mm/dd):

1) Were you born Catholic or are you a convert? (If a convert, what lead to your conversion):

2) On average, how many times do you attend mass a week?

**3) If there were no days of required attendance in Catholicism **(e.g. Sundays, holy days of obligation), would your attendance decrease or remain the same? Why?

4) Why do you attend mass (apart from days of obligation)?

5) In your personal opinion, what aspect of the mass is the most fulfilling/enjoyable?

6) In your opinion, what is the most important part of the mass?

7) In your experience, what are some of the benefits of attending mass?

8) Is there a particular aspect of the Catholic religion that, in your mind, sets it apart from other major religions? If so, what is it?
Thank you so much for your help!
Regards
 
Name: “Rickard”
Age: 28
Date (03/28):

**1) Were you born Catholic or are you a convert? (If a convert, what lead to your conversion): **Baptized as a small baby. Became a “revert” August 2 1997 due to Eucharistic Adoration and the Sacrament of Reconciliation at a University of Steubenville conference.

**2) On average, how many times do you attend mass a week? ** Twice, although this can tick upwards.

3) If there were no days of required attendance in Catholicism (e.g. Sundays, holy days of obligation), would your attendance decrease or remain the same? Why? Remain the same because the reasons WHY I go would remain the same. I don’t go out of duty, I go out of love.

4) Why do you attend mass (apart from days of obligation)? See above. See also; Eucharist.

**5) In your personal opinion, what aspect of the mass is the most fulfilling/enjoyable?**The Eucharist is the Summit of the Catholic Faith, there is nothing higher than that IMHO.

6) In your opinion, what is the most important part of the mass? See #5.

7) In your experience, what are some of the benefits of attending mass? Prayer, Faith, Fellowship, and of course receiving the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ.

8) Is there a particular aspect of the Catholic religion that, in your mind, sets it apart from other major religions? If so, what is it? See #7. In addition, the moral theology seems to be rooted in good ol’ common sense. Items like “save sex until marriage and be faithful to your spouse” makes sense if you don’t want STD’s. “Don’t kill others” makes sense, “don’t lie” etc etc. Common sense.
 
Name (or nickname):Sherry G
Age: 63
Date (mm/dd): 3/28
  1. Were you born Catholic or are you a convert? (If a convert, what lead to your conversion):Baptized into the Catholic faith as an infant, to parents also born into Catholic families going back many generations to Germany and England heritage.
  2. On average, how many times do you attend mass a week? I attend Mass daily now that I am retired and have more time and don’t have to work 40 hours a week.
  3. If there were no days of required attendance in Catholicism (e.g. Sundays, holy days of obligation), would your attendance decrease or remain the same? Why? In the past, I worshipped at Mass 2 or 3 times per week, when I was in the workforce full time . Now, I have the priveledge and extreme honor and pleasure to go each morning. What a great way to start each day, praising God and receiving Jesus in the Eucharist!
  4. Why do you attend mass (apart from days of obligation)? What a great way to start each day, praising God and receiving Jesus in the Eucharist!
  5. In your personal opinion, what aspect of the mass is the most fulfilling/enjoyable? Receiving Jesus in Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity.
  6. In your opinion, what is the most important part of the mass? Mass is the most Holy Sacrifice. Offering back to God the most pleasing sacrifice of His Son, Jesus and offering myself to God right alongside Jesus, in Jesus and Jesus in me. Being part of the Mystical Body of Christ.
  7. In your experience, what are some of the benefits of attending mass? Worshipping God, knowing loving and serving Him in this way helps me fulfill my purpose here on Earth. Deepening my faith enables me to follow His will more closely.
  8. Is there a particular aspect of the Catholic religion that, in your mind, sets it apart from other major religions? If so, what is it? The Catholic faith was given to us by Jesus 2000 years ago and we are still worhipping in the same way today everywhere in the world, regardless of culture, language or customs. I can go anywhere in the world and celebrate the Mass and worship God, receiving Jesus Christ . It’s a spectacular miracle!:harp:
 
Hugh
53:
3/28/2010

1) Were you born Catholic or are you a convert? Roman Catholic by birth

2) On average, how many times do you attend mass a week? 4-7 times

**3) If there were no days of required attendance in Catholicism **(e.g. Sundays, holy days of obligation), would your attendance decrease or remain the same? Why? It would remain the same. I attend Mass as often as possible as spiritual armor to resist the temptations of this world. And more importantly, to recognize God’s sending His Son to save us and to pay due reverence.

4) Why do you attend mass For due reverence to God the Father and for the good of my soul.

5) In your personal opinion, what aspect of the mass is the most fulfilling/enjoyable?
I don’t enjoy it. It is a reminder that Jesus Christ died for my sins and also reminds me that my crosses I must bear in this world are but a pittance compared to what He endured for our sake.The Mass is sorrowful and humbling, and humility/charity/communion with Him is what I hope to leave with after Mass has been prayed.

6) In your opinion, what is the most important part of the mass? No certain part, each is connected and I see no part of it as passive or non essential.

7) In your experience, what are some of the benefits of attending mass? For the participant, the building and strenghtening of faith.

8) Is there a particular aspect of the Catholic religion that, in your mind, sets it apart from other major religions? If so, what is it? The Church was founded by Christ and by virtue of Apostolic succession, the Sacraments and Deposit of Faith are made available to nourish our souls and lead us to salvation, and away from the temptations of Satan.
 
This is great, thanks for the responses!

I could still use several more so if anyone else has the time I’d really appreciate the help! 🙂

Thank you and God bless!
 
Name (or nickname): Basenji
Age: 45
Date (mm/dd): 03/31

1) Were you born Catholic or are you a convert? (If a convert, what lead to your conversion):
I was born this way.

2) On average, how many times do you attend mass a week?
4-5 Days a week. My schedule prohibits daily attendance.

**3) If there were no days of required attendance in Catholicism **(e.g. Sundays, holy days of obligation), would your attendance decrease or remain the same? Why?
It’d stay the same. Why? Love. And Thanksgiving.

4) Why do you attend mass (apart from days of obligation)?
The Eucharist.

5) In your personal opinion, what aspect of the mass is the most fulfilling/enjoyable?
The Eucharist.

6) In your opinion, what is the most important part of the mass?
The Eucharist.

7) In your experience, what are some of the benefits of attending mass?
The Eucharist. Grace. Community.

8) Is there a particular aspect of the Catholic religion that, in your mind, sets it apart from other major religions? If so, what is it?
It is the Real deal. The sense of immanence and the Sacraments. The Communion of Saints. Oh, and we have Mary too!
 
Name (or nickname): Phillip

Age: 25

Date (mm/dd): —

1) Were you born Catholic or are you a convert? (If a convert, what lead to your conversion): I was born Catholic.

2) On average, how many times do you attend mass a week? Sadly but once. Although if my schedule permitted I’d attend Divine Liturgy daily, along with Orthros (i.e. Matins) and Vespers daily.

**3) If there were no days of required attendance in Catholicism **(e.g. Sundays, holy days of obligation), would your attendance decrease or remain the same? Why? My attendance would remain the same or increase (given a change in schedule that would permit the increase).

4) Why do you attend mass (apart from days of obligation)? I attend out of love for God, to enter into His kingdom, to participate in His saving action, and to receive the Holy Mysteries, particularly the Eucharist.

5) In your personal opinion, what aspect of the mass is the most fulfilling/enjoyable? Every single aspect of it!

6) In your opinion, what is the most important part of the mass? Every single part.

7) In your experience, what are some of the benefits of attending mass? An increase in awareness of God’s presence not only during the Liturgy, but in every aspect of our lives.

8) Is there a particular aspect of the Catholic religion that, in your mind, sets it apart from other major religions? If so, what is it? Ballance – between faith and reason, the natural and the supernatural, action and contemplation, etc. Also it’s love for mankind (although sadly this is not always apparent in Her members [Lord, have mercy on us sinners, among whom I am the first.]).
Thank you so much for your help!
Regards
 
Anthropo said:
Hey everyone!
I’m a student at a college in Southern California and I’m doing a ethnography on a Catholic church in my local area. As a tool to aid in my research, I’ve constructed a simple 8 question survey and I was hoping that the members on Catholic Answers could help me out by taking a few minutes to answer these simple questions.

Thanks in advance to anyway who participates! 🙂

Please respond honestly and in at least 1 to 2 sentences as appose to single word answers
Name (or nickname): Carlo
Age: 31
Date (mm/dd): 3/31

1) Were you born Catholic or are you a convert? (If a convert, what lead to your conversion): Cradle Catholic

2) On average, how many times do you attend mass a week? At least once, whenever possible more than…

**3) If there were no days of required attendance in Catholicism **(e.g. Sundays, holy days of obligation), would your attendance decrease or remain the same? Why? At least be the same, if not increase as I would love to spend more time in mass.

4) Why do you attend mass (apart from days of obligation)? #1 Jesus is there, because I receive the graces I need to continue giving God my Fiat. To continue growing in faith, to grow closer to God.

5) In your personal opinion, what aspect of the mass is the most fulfilling/enjoyable? Celebration of the Eucharist, Eucharistic prayers, the music.

6) In your opinion, what is the most important part of the mass? The Eucharist, followed by the liturgy of the Word.

7) In your experience, what are some of the benefits of attending mass? Reception of the gift of Christ in the Eucharist, being challenged by a good homily, listening to the Word of God read among many others.

8) Is there a particular aspect of the Catholic religion that, in your mind, sets it apart from other major religions? If so, what is it? We are the only ones that have the fullness of the truth of God, others might come close but ultimatly fall short.
Thank you so much for your help!
Regards
Click to expand...
 
Name (or nickname): red
Date (mm/dd): 3/31/10

1) Were you born Catholic or are you a convert? (If a convert, what lead to your conversion): I was born Catholic.

2) On average, how many times do you attend mass a week? Once on Sundays due to the fact that I have school in the morning and my parish doesn’t offer weekday mass early enough for me to attend.

3) If there were no days of required attendance in Catholicism (e.g. Sundays, holy days of obligation), would your attendance decrease or remain the same? Why? Well, when I get the chance I’m planning on my attendance increasing but I would think it would atleast stay the same. Afterall, God gave me a lifetime - I can give him an hour.

4) Why do you attend mass (apart from days of obligation)? The Eucharist, where else can I be so close to Christ and His Kingdom? Plus, it’s a relaxion/prayer time that will always be a constant in my life. It helps me to seperate myself from the busy goings of the world around us and focus completely on God.

5) In your personal opinion, what aspect of the mass is the most fulfilling/enjoyable? Well, the Eucharist of course but if I were to say something other than that it would be the readings and homily because of the lessons we get on living a Christian life.

6) In your opinion, what is the most important part of the mass? The Eucharist because that is when Christ is literally present. What could be more important than that?

7) In your experience, what are some of the benefits of attending mass? A closer relationship with God and the motivation to continue my weekly struggles in living my life for Him.

8) Is there a particular aspect of the Catholic religion that, in your mind, sets it apart from other major religions? If so, what is it? Maybe it’s just me, but it seems to be more logical. Granted, there are many things that from the outside seem to be illogical but when you get into the study of it, it makes sense. It also seems to encompass the good of all other major religions. I also like the morals it teaches and its refusal to back down from them.
 
Name (or nickname): ChurchTorch
Age: 41
Date (mm/dd):
  1. Were you born Catholic or are you a convert? (If a convert, what lead to your conversion):
Cradle Catholic.
  1. On average, how many times do you attend mass a week?
8
  1. If there were no days of required attendance in Catholicism (e.g. Sundays, holy days of obligation), would your attendance decrease or remain the same? Why?
**Yes. The salvific grace received from being present at Mass plus the awesome gift of Holy Communion.
**
4) Why do you attend mass (apart from days of obligation)?

The salvific grace received from being present at Mass plus the awesome gift of Holy Communion.
  1. In your personal opinion, what aspect of the mass is the most fulfilling/enjoyable?
Being at Calvary when Jesus Christ is offered to His Father for our sins.
  1. In your opinion, what is the most important part of the mass?
    **
    Jesus Christ being offered to His Father for our sins.**
  2. In your experience, what are some of the benefits of attending mass?
    **
    Help keep me on the road to eternal life with Christ and His Father.**
  3. Is there a particular aspect of the Catholic religion that, in your mind, sets it apart from other major religions? If so, what is it?
Matthew 16:18 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the powers of death shall not prevail against it.
 
Anthropo said:
Hey everyone!
I’m a student at a college in Southern California and I’m doing a ethnography on a Catholic church in my local area. As a tool to aid in my research, I’ve constructed a simple 8 question survey and I was hoping that the members on Catholic Answers could help me out by taking a few minutes to answer these simple questions.

Thanks in advance to anyway who participates! 🙂

Please respond honestly and in at least 1 to 2 sentences as appose to single word answers
**Namez[Paula):
Age[/49]:
Date (March 31,2010
1) Were you born Catholic or are you a convert? (If a convert, what lead to your conversion):I am a convert. I was not overly involved in the protestant faith i was raised in. fiance was very catholic, I wanted to go to church as a family. so i converted to Catholic.

2) On average, how many times do you attend mass a week once a week

**3) If there were no days of required attendance in Catholicism **(e.g. Sundays, holy days of obligation), would your attendance decrease or remain the same? Why? remain the same. I need to attend mass to commune with the rest of the beleivers, I need to refill myself with the Lord and I need to Worship the Lord.

4) Why do you attend mass (apart from days of obligation)? same as answer above

**5) In your personal opinion, what aspect of the mass is the most fulfilling/enjoyable?**depends on what I need or what God is trying to tell me. The singing fills my soul sometimes the sermon gets to a problem i have or sometimes it is the kids at mass who make me see things in a new light.

6) In your opinion, what is the most important part of the mass? I think both the readings and Communion are very valuable. I couldn’t see mass with out both parts.

7) In your experience, what are some of the benefits of attending mass? feeling part of the community of beleivers, worshipping God, hearing the Bible, hearing the sermon, sharing your faith, the power of group prayer

8) Is there a particular aspect of the Catholic religion that, in your mind, sets it apart from other major religions? If so, what is it? That we were the original church set up by Jesus.
Thank you so much for your help!
Regards
Click to expand...
 
Anthropo said:
Hey everyone!
I’m a student at a college in Southern California and I’m doing a ethnography on a Catholic church in my local area. As a tool to aid in my research, I’ve constructed a simple 8 question survey and I was hoping that the members on Catholic Answers could help me out by taking a few minutes to answer these simple questions.

Thanks in advance to anyway who participates! 🙂

Please respond honestly and in at least 1 to 2 sentences as appose to single word answers
Name (or nickname):
Age:
Date (mm/dd):
Click to expand...
1) Were you born Catholic or are you a convert? (If a convert, what lead to your conversion):
Click to expand...
The Eucharist lead to my conversion.
2) On average, how many times do you attend mass a week?
Click to expand...
Once.
**3) If there were no days of required attendance in Catholicism **(e.g. Sundays, holy days of obligation), would your attendance decrease or remain the same? Why?
Click to expand...
It would remain the same since it is mass that I come to, not an event.
4) Why do you attend mass (apart from days of obligation)?
Click to expand...
Becuase it is sin not to.
5) In your personal opinion, what aspect of the mass is the most fulfilling/enjoyable?
Click to expand...
The homily I guess.
6) In your opinion, what is the most important part of the mass?
Click to expand...
Communion.
7) In your experience, what are some of the benefits of attending mass?
Click to expand...
Grace for the rest of the week.
8) Is there a particular aspect of the Catholic religion that, in your mind, sets it apart from other major religions? If so, what is it?
Click to expand...
The Eucharist.
 
At_Trent said:
Hugh
53:
3/28/2010

1) Were you born Catholic or are you a convert? Roman Catholic by birth

2) On average, how many times do you attend mass a week? 4-7 times

**3) If there were no days of required attendance in Catholicism **(e.g. Sundays, holy days of obligation), would your attendance decrease or remain the same? Why? It would remain the same. I attend Mass as often as possible as spiritual armor to resist the temptations of this world. And more importantly, to recognize God’s sending His Son to save us and to pay due reverence.

4) Why do you attend mass For due reverence to God the Father and for the good of my soul.

5) In your personal opinion, what aspect of the mass is the most fulfilling/enjoyable?
I don’t enjoy it. It is a reminder that Jesus Christ died for my sins and also reminds me that my crosses I must bear in this world are but a pittance compared to what He endured for our sake.The Mass is sorrowful and humbling, and humility/charity/communion with Him is what I hope to leave with after Mass has been prayed.

6) In your opinion, what is the most important part of the mass? No certain part, each is connected and I see no part of it as passive or non essential.

7) In your experience, what are some of the benefits of attending mass? For the participant, the building and strenghtening of faith.

8) Is there a particular aspect of the Catholic religion that, in your mind, sets it apart from other major religions? If so, what is it? The Church was founded by Christ and by virtue of Apostolic succession, the Sacraments and Deposit of Faith are made available to nourish our souls and lead us to salvation, and away from the temptations of Satan.
Click to expand...
Compelling answer, I couldn’t be more in agreement. Only difference with me is how many times a week I attend mass.
 
Anthropo said:
Hey everyone!
I’m a student at a college in Southern California and I’m doing a ethnography on a Catholic church in my local area. As a tool to aid in my research, I’ve constructed a simple 8 question survey and I was hoping that the members on Catholic Answers could help me out by taking a few minutes to answer these simple questions.

Thanks in advance to anyway who participates! 🙂

Please respond honestly and in at least 1 to 2 sentences as appose to single word answers
Name (or nickname):puzzleannie
Age:61
Date (mm/dd):4/4

1) Were you born Catholic or are you a convert? (If a convert, what lead to your conversion):cradle

2) On average, how many times do you attend mass a week?3-5

**3) If there were no days of required attendance in Catholicism **(e.g. Sundays, holy days of obligation), would your attendance decrease or remain the same? Why? same, as long as I am working in a parish

4) Why do you attend mass (apart from days of obligation)? Christ’s command, he is offering me the ultimate gift, why would I not attend?

5) In your personal opinion, what aspect of the mass is the most fulfilling/enjoyable? Christ fulfills the Mass in his sacrifice, I do not go there for personal fulfillment or enjoyment, he did not call me for that

6) In your opinion, what is the most important part of the mass? entire Mass, consecration cannot happen outside Mass so the whole mass is essential

7) In your experience, what are some of the benefits of attending mass? obedience, humility, reception of Christ in the most intimate way, actual participation in and presence during the events of the Passion and resurrection

8) Is there a particular aspect of the Catholic religion that, in your mind, sets it apart from other major religions? If so, what is it? Mass and Eucharist
Thank you so much for your help!
Regards
Click to expand...
you did not leave space for the title question
Mass is whatever the Catholic Church says it is and however the Catholic Church celebrates in the time and place I find myself.
 
Anthropo said:
Hey everyone!
Name (or nickname): Monty
Age:48
Date (mm/dd):04/03

1) Were you born Catholic or are you a convert? (If a convert, what lead to your conversion): Baptized at 6

2) On average, how many times do you attend mass a week? 1 sometimes 2

**3) If there were no days of required attendance in Catholicism **(e.g. Sundays, holy days of obligation), would your attendance decrease or remain the same? Why?
Would stay the same or increase, not decrease. Because the sacraments are there, they are an opportunity to meet Christ in a special way.

4) Why do you attend mass (apart from days of obligation)?

To be reminded of Christ’s sacrifice, to receive grace, to pray for mine and others’ needs, to worship God.

5) In your personal opinion, what aspect of the mass is the most fulfilling/enjoyable?

While I wouldn’t agree with At Trent and say I don’t enjoy it, enjoyment is not the primary purpose, in the same way as it would be for going to a movie or something. I don’t find fulfillment from Mass through enjoyment. For example, at some “productions” of the Ordinary Form, when I am unable to attend the Extraordinary Form, I not only don’t enjoy it, I am almost tormented by it. However, I still hear the Gospel preached and still receive grace from receiving the Eucharist.

On the enjoyment question though I do enjoy the smell of the incense, the sprinkling of holy water, and the sound of the Latin prayers.

6) In your opinion, what is the most important part of the mass?
Receiving the Body and Blood of Christ in the Eucharist.

7) In your experience, what are some of the benefits of attending mass?

To be reminded that this life is temporary and that the seductions of the world are not worth losing your soul.

8) Is there a particular aspect of the Catholic religion that, in your mind, sets it apart from other major religions? If so, what is it?
It keeps alive the sacraments that Christ instituted for our good and for the purpose of remaining with us spiritually on earth, no other churches believe in them except the Orthodox, who I consider Catholic also. The Catholic Church is the only one that has a teaching magisterium that (when it functions properly) attempts to maintain consistency of teaching.
Thank you so much for your help!
Regards
Click to expand...
 
Name (or nickname): James
Age: 16
Date (mm/dd): 04/03

1) Were you born Catholic or are you a convert? (If a convert, what lead to your conversion): I am a convert and I decided to look into the Catholic faith because my whole family is Catholic, and I came into the Church because I had finally found a church that taught what I believed my whole life.

**
2) On average, how many times do you attend mass a week?**
Once, although I would attend more if I didn’t have school

**
3) If there were no days of required attendance in Catholicism (e.g. Sundays, holy days of obligation), would your attendance decrease or remain the same? Why?**
It would remain the same because I attend Mass out of love for God

**
4) Why do you attend mass (apart from days of obligation)?**
I would attend on non-obligatory days because the Eucharist strengthens my fith and that is something I need every day.

5) In your personal opinion, what aspect of the mass is the most fulfilling/enjoyable?
The Eucharist because at that moment my God is humbling Himself down so low as to allow me, a wretched sinner, to receive Him into myself; I am nowhere near worthy of this.’

**
6) In your opinion, what is the most important part of the mass?**
See #5

7) In your experience, what are some of the benefits of attending mass?
The benefits of attending Mass, for me, are fortitude against temptation an a closer relationship with Christ and the Saints.

8) Is there a particular aspect of the Catholic religion that, in your mind, sets it apart from other major religions? If so, what is it?
Yes, we have the opportunity to receive or God physically into ourselves.
 
Name (or nickname): Silvana
Age: 15 yrs, 10 mos
Date (mm/dd): 4/2
  1. Were you born Catholic or are you a convert? (If a convert, what lead to your conversion):
    I was born into a Catholic family–became observant last year
  2. On average, how many times do you attend mass a week?
    Once
  3. If there were no days of required attendance in Catholicism (e.g. Sundays, holy days of obligation), would your attendance decrease or remain the same? Why?
    It would remain the same because I believe weekly mass attendence is important
  4. Why do you attend mass (apart from days of obligation)?
    I love it and think it really matters to us and our salvation
  5. In your personal opinion, what aspect of the mass is the most fulfilling/enjoyable?
    The Eucharist
  6. In your opinion, what is the most important part of the mass?
    The Eucharist and the Creed
  7. In your experience, what are some of the benefits of attending mass?
    Closer connection to God; communion; remaining faithful to the Church
  8. Is there a particular aspect of the Catholic religion that, in your mind, sets it apart from other major religions? If so, what is it?
    It is the clearest and most beautiful declaration of truth I have ever experienced
 
Name (or nickname): markomalley
Age: 48
Date (mm/dd): 4/4

1) Were you born Catholic or are you a convert? (If a convert, what lead to your conversion): Revert.

2) On average, how many times do you attend mass a week? 4-6 times a week (attendance at daily Mass is contingent upon work schedule allowing me to attend 6:30 AM Mass)

**3) If there were no days of required attendance in Catholicism **(e.g. Sundays, holy days of obligation), would your attendance decrease or remain the same? Why? My attendance would remain the same.

4) Why do you attend mass (apart from days of obligation)? To worship God, to participate in the re-presentation of His sacrifice for our salvation, and to renew my offering of myself as a living sacrifice (I appeal to you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. (Romans (RSV) 12))

5) In your personal opinion, what aspect of the mass is the most fulfilling/enjoyable? Enjoyable? I don’t attend Mass to be entertained…sorry. Fulfilling? A properly executed Mass, accomplished according to the rubrics, gives appropriate glory to God.

6) In your opinion, what is the most important part of the mass? There’s not any part that is less important than another. But I would say that the absolute pinnacle of the worship is the Eucharistic Prayer. There are those who would say that the epiclesis is the most important and the majority would say that the anamnesis is, but I am, in recent months, tending to consider the actual oblation to have been unjustly neglected.

7) In your experience, what are some of the benefits of attending mass? I certainly don’t believe that one should be looking for “benefit” as a rationale for attending Mass. Our participation in the Divine Liturgy should be motivated from filial devotion to the Triune God and should be seen as an opportunity for adoration of Him and to join ourselves to Him. When we do so, we are fed with the flesh of the Lamb of God, the eternal passover sacrifice and, just as the Israelites were protected from the Destroyer, are protected and sustained to enable us to carry on.

**8) Is there a particular aspect of the Catholic religion that, in your mind, sets it apart from other major religions? If so, what is it? **Of course there is. The Catholic Church (the ekklesisa catholica) is the Church established by Jesus Christ. The fullness of the revelation of Christ is present in the Catholic Church. Why would anybody want to compromise for something less?
 
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