A Note From the Parochial Vicar: August 31, 2025

Many of us are returning to school or preparing for end of summer and beginning of Fall events. With this increase in activity, it’s important to recall the importance of Sunday Mass. As Catholics, we are obliged to attend Mass weekly either on Saturday night or Sunday. This comes from the 3rd commandment of keeping the Lord’s Day holy. By this, God asks us to rest from the busyness that drenches our culture. Mass allows us to reset and remember that we are not made for scurrying around all day, but for being with God in worship and enjoying time with family members/loved ones.

Unfortunately, many Catholics justify missing Mass because of sports, festivities from the night before, vacations, among a myriad of other reasons. We can make excuses-yet have we thought what this example says to our children, family and friends? How can we say God is important if we can’t give Him at least a couple hours on the weekend?

I don’t mean to be condemnatory, but we must ask ourselves these serious questions. And I get it; Mass may not be the most exciting event in the world. I get tired too and it would be nice to have a break from celebrating several Masses during the football season!!! However, Mass is where we are nourished by Jesus’ Body and Blood, hear the Word of God and have a personal encounter with Him, if we have an open heart, mind and soul.

I would like to recommend a handy online tool called masstimes.org, where you can search where Mass is being held by date and city! I strongly encourage you to make use of this website the next time you’re out of town or fnd a confict in your schedule.

God is never outdone in generosity. Giving Him a couple hours on the weekend will organize our hectic lives, try it and see! Yes, sometimes we may have to make the sacrifce of attending another Catholic community, waking earlier or even attending Mass in another language. However, the Eucharist and the Word of God remain the same, waiting to free us from unhealthy busyness and enjoy the love of God and others.

Have a blessed week!

Father Ben