Are you seeking to rediscover your friendship with Jesus? Haven't been to Mass in a while and wondering where to start? Start by getting to know Jesus again through prayer. It doesn't matter how long its been since you have been to Mass. You are always invited to encounter Jesus in the Mass. [USCCB]
Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst. " [John 6:35]
-USCCB
Then he took a cup, gave thanks, and said, “Take this and share it among yourselves; for I tell you [that] from this time on I shall not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” Then he took the bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which will be given for you; do this in memory of me.” And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which will be shed for you. [Luke 22: 17 - 20]
The Mass is much more than an ordnary church service. It's central element is the Eucharist, which is a re-presentation of Christ's sacrifice on the cross. We encounter the real presemce of Jesus in the Eucharist, and through it we receive the gifts of God's grace, and unity with God and with all Christians (the Mystical Body of Christ) We recommit ourselves to the new and eternal covenant.
Watch Bishop Robert Barron's sermon [YouTube] on the biblical roots and spiritual meaning of the Eucharist.
Watch Franciscan priest Casey Cole's series of videos [YouTube] explaining each part of the Mass.
The word "Mass" comes from the Latin word, "Missa." At one time, the people were dismissed with the words "Ite, missa est," meaning "Go, you are sent. The word "Missa" comes from the word "missio," the root of the English word "mission." The liturgy does not simply come to an end. Those assembled are sent forth to bring the fruits of the Eucharist to the world. [U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops]
The Church is a family, and we grow stronger with all our members participating and involved. You as a Christian grow stronger when you are with your Church family.
If you have been away from the church and are thinking about coming back, first know that we want you back and we welcome you. If you're not sure how to come back or what you need to do, please contact our pastor or one of the deacons. It's not difficult!
You may find it helpful to study, and carry with you, the Order of Mass, which is an outline of the texts, prayers and responses for the Mass, from beginning to end.
Non-Catholics who are attending a Mass for the first time may be anxious about when to stand, when to kneel, and so forth. The simplest and perhaps best way is to watch what others are doing and do the same. Guides of various designs are available online, but be sure to purchase or download from a reputable source. After you've been to Mass a few times, you'll find that you're learning the routines of the Mass on your own.