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Getting to Mass

Getting to Mass on Sundays and holy days of obligation is vital for remaining in God's grace and growing spiritually. Catholics should prepare to receive Communion by confessing any serious sins first.

In three points

  1. Canon law binds the faithful to attend Mass on Sundays and holy days
  2. Prepare for Communion by confessing serious sin
  3. Use an examination of conscience and pray before and after confession

The obligation

"On Sundays and other holy days of obligation, the faithful are bound to participate in the Mass" (Code of Canon Law, 1247). The structure, words and gestures of the Mass are deeply rooted in the Bible. When Catholics understand what the Mass is, attending becomes less an obligation than a joy. Children are not obligated to attend, but they should still be welcomed, and non-Catholics are welcome to join us. Watching Mass on TV is not the same as participating in person.

Preparing for Communion

Jesus told his disciples to go to the upper room and prepare for the Passover. We prepare our hearts to receive him by confessing any serious sins before coming forward for the Eucharist. An examination of conscience helps adults, teens and children reflect on their actions, thoughts and choices before the sacrament of reconciliation.

Prayer to the Holy Spirit before confession: Come, Holy Spirit, enlighten my mind, that I may clearly know my sins. Touch my heart that I may be truly sorry for them and live a better life. Amen.

Act of Contrition: O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended thee, and I detest all my sins not only because of thy just punishments, but most of all because they offend thee, my God, who art all good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve with the help of thy grace to sin no more and to avoid the near occasion of sin. Amen.

Read online with linked Scripture: catholic.id/tracts/getting-to-mass/

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