Distractions at Mass – Part II of II

Q: Dear Father John, I hate to admit this, but I still get distracted at Mass. I mean, I love Mass! I go almost every day! I believe in it, I look forward to it… But I still get distracted during Mass. I really wish I didn’t – I want to worship God perfectly, like we’re supposed to. Can you help me? In our first post on this topic, we discussed distractions during Mass. Fr. John gave reflections on the mystery... Read More

Who can receive Holy Communion?

Dear Father John, It is my understanding that only Catholics who are in the state of grace may receive Holy Communion. I know that only God really knows the state of a person’s soul. I am also aware that there have been hurts inflicted by very fallible and imperfect members of the Church that may prevent a person from fully and outwardly embracing the Church. If a person is not a member of the Catholic Church, but... Read More

Finding the truth about liturgy…

Dear Friends, You wouldn’t know it by the content of this site, but I love the liturgy of the Church. I have prayed the Liturgy of the Hours since becoming Catholic. I am often mesmerized by every movement at Mass. I love the rhythm of the Church – the music – the seasons – the feasts – the solemnities. I am moved by the thought that as I engage in the liturgy I am engaging with billions of people... Read More

Dreading an irreverent and careless implementation of the new missal translation… What do I do?

Q:  Dear Father John, I am looking forward with dread for the new missal translation in our parish. Our priest doesn’t take the liturgy very seriously and, well, I don’t think it is going to be good. Can you provide some practical insight into how I should look at all of this and prepare my heart?  I really care about how we honor Christ in Mass and already struggle a lot with the lack of reverence that I see. A:... Read More

The New Roman Missal Translation In a Nutshell

Just to be clear, when I say in a “Nutshell,” I am not calling Mark Hart a “nut.” Mark is one of the best modern communicators of our faith. This video is by far the best summary I have seen on the new translation. It was created for teens but the humorous approach should make this interesting for anyone. If you like it, pass this post along to help others gain a better understanding of the changes... Read More

Why Genuflect? Kneeling in Mass and Adoration

When a man is proud, he stands tall; his posture reflects his self-perception. When a good man (one who is not suffering with excessive pride) is in the presence of greatness, he knows to humble himself whether it be in posture or expression.  His instinct is to lower himself and he, in some way, knows to acknowledge the greatness before him and to adjust his heart, and height, downward.  The difficulty with modern culture... Read More

How do I make mass a more positive experience?

Q. Dear Father John, What is the difference between those who find Mass something to be endured and those who find it deeply nourishing, and what does my experience have to do with my own disposition? A. The short answer to this question is: don’t worry about your experience of Mass, just focus on the Mass. Read on for the long answer. Underlying this excellent question is a faulty premise: it assumes that “something... Read More