Mass

The “sense of mystery” and awe Catholics should experience at Mass is not one prompted by Latin or by “creative” elements added to the celebration, but by an awareness of sacrifice of Christ and his real presence in the Eucharist, Pope Francis said.

Here’s a refresher for longtime Catholics as well as a resource for those who are preparing to enter the Catholic Church or be in full communion with the Church at Easter.

“Making a parish family-friendly is a practical and spiritual undertaking. It both requires a checklist and an examination of conscience.”

A priest who is a member of the Pontifical Academy for Life wrote that wearing a high-filtering mask is a “little sacrifice” that can be offered to God.

Now that a 15-month suspension of the obligation to attend Sunday Mass has ended, as of July 1, pastors, parish staff and parishioners are weighing the costs and benefits of continuing to livestream their daily or weekly Masses.

“Before every Mass or after, parish leaders should be enriching their people’s understanding of what it is they celebrate. If we want to teach about the Real Presence, we need also teach about the Mass.”

The obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and holy days of obligation in the Diocese of St. Cloud will be reinstated on the weekend of July 3-4, Bishop Donald Kettler said in a letter to pastors June 3.

In his letter to pastors, Bishop Kettler also addressed a change in protocols for adoration chapels, and he included a reminder about the importance of wearing masks.