Mass

DEAR FATHER: I don’t go to church that often, but I enjoy going with the relatives on holidays like Christmas and Easter. On those occasions I also like to go to Communion with all the family — it gives us a special sense of togetherness,…

DEAR FATHER: When I was young, my parents and teachers told me that Sunday Mass was very special; we were visiting with God. We showed our respect by wearing our best clothes, blessing ourselves with holy water as we entered the church in…

This year it will be a quarter of a century since my wife and I brought our first child to Mass for the first time. Every Sunday Mass since, with the exception of a business trip, retreat or getaway here and there, we have knelt, stood, and…

EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the third part of Fr. Longenecker’s series in which he explains the deeper significance of the elements of the Catholic Mass. Part one is "The Mass: Praising & Processing." Part two is "The Mass: The Living Word."…

It’s that time of year again. Time to make a list of resolutions for the new year and forget about them before the month of January comes to an end. Or at least that’s how it usually goes for me. No matter what your resolutions are, if you…

EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the second part of Fr. Longenecker’s series in which he explains the deeper significance of the elements of the Catholic Mass. Click here to read part one.  Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount is one of the most easily…

EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the first in a series of articles in which Fr. Longenecker explains the deeper significance of elements of the Catholic Mass. We’re lined up at the back of church. The high school student who is thurifer holds the…