October 1, 2025

By Father William Muench
NCC columnist

Recently, I was involved in a program with other members of an organization. The day began when we were asked to answer the question “why” – why we were involved in this community? Then we were involved to discover a sound answer incorporating each one’s ideas for this “why” question.

Today, I was thinking that it would be perfect to ask those coming into a Sunday Mass to begin Mass a “why” question – why are you attending Mass this Sunday? I can only imagine the various answers. I think each time you and I come to Mass, we should begin our prayer by asking ourselves, “why am I here”, “why am I attending Mass today?”, “why do I attend Mass any day?” I believe this would give Mass a real meaning for us. I believe that this would transform our time at Mass. I would like you now – as you read this – to take the time to answer the “why,” – “why do you attend Mass each Sunday?’

Today, I would like to share with you my thoughts – “why” I believe each Sunday Mass is so important. These my thoughts; you must find your own. I must begin with gratitude. Each Mass is a Eucharist – a prayer of gratitude to the Lord Jesus for the many blessings I have received. I thank God for my priesthood each time I go to the altar to celebrate Mass. I thank the Lord Jesus for his presence with us at each Mass. Our Mass is our best prayer, our best thanksgiving.

In addition, the Blessed Eucharist, our Mass, is a unique time. In faith, we believe Our Lord is present with us at this Mass in a real and perfect way. This is our time to realize who God is – our God of love, and who we are – a blessed people. Each Mass is a time for us to participate, deepening our relationship with our God. We must open our hearts and our minds and allow our God is come to us. The Lord comes to support us throughout each day. Our God comes to challenge us to be his disciples, to bring the Lord’s love to our world, to each person we meet this day. Our Mass prepares us to live well in the spirit of our Savior.

Each Mass brings Jesus to us in a perfect way. At Mass, we receive the Lord Jesus in Holy Communion – body and blood. This is a transformative moment. Each time we go to Holy Communion, bringing the power of the Lord to us, driving away all fear, giving us a bold faith to live well, bringing Jesus to all we meet this day. Is this an impossible task? No. We have the Eucharistic Lord present with us, giving us the power we need.

In addition, each Sunday Mass unites us with our parish, with our community, with our Catholic Church. United together, we are dedicated to God and ready to transform our world – making it a better place. This our vocation as disciples of the Lord Jesus.

So, each time we attend Mass, let us take a moment as we begin prayer to realize “why” we are there. “Why” I am ready to unite myself with the Lord Jesus at this altar remembering his sacrifice and his love, so that I am prepared to unite myself in love with my Savior.