Mass Archives - Page 2 of 9 - Catechist's Journey

Pop-Up Catechesis: Going to Mass Every Sunday

Why, exactly, do we have an obligation to go to Mass every Sunday? Does the Eucharist “wear off” after a certain number of days? Of course not. At the same time, as human beings, we are in constant need of reinforcement. We go to Mass weekly for the same reason that people seeking recovery from an addiction attend meetings “religiously”: we stand a better chance of recovery if we attend regularly. And, the truth is, […]

Living the Mass the Other Six Days of the Week: The Presentation of the Gifts

Joe Paprocki

We continue to journey through the National Eucharistic Revival and reflect on the parts of the Mass and what each part is calling us to do and be the other six days of the week. Our inspiration is my book, Living the Mass: How One Hour a Week Can Change Your Life, co-authored by Fr. Dominic Grassi. In this episode, we look at the Presentation of the Gifts and reflect on how it helps us […]

Pop-Up Catechesis: The Mass as Sacrifice

Joe Paprocki

While it is true that the Mass is a meal, it is also true that the Mass is a sacrifice. The concept of sacrifice is often lost on us in today’s contemporary culture. In essence, a sacrifice is the offering of something valued and precious to another. In Old Testament times, it was customary for the Jewish people to sacrifice animals in the Temple as an offering to God. Jesus did away with this form […]

Living the Mass the Other Six Days of the Week: The Prayer of the Faithful

Joe Paprocki

As we continue to journey through the National Eucharistic Revival, we are reflecting on the parts of the Mass and what each part is calling us to do and be the other six days of the week. In this episode, we look at the Prayer of the Faithful and reflect on how it helps us to begin the work of entrusting to God the needs of ourselves, others, the Church, and the world. The Prayer […]

Living the Mass the Other Six Days of the Week: The Profession of Faith

Joe Paprocki

As we journey through the National Eucharistic Revival, we are reflecting on the parts of the Mass and what each part is calling us to do and be the other six days of the week. In this episode, we look at the Profession of Faith and how proclaiming the Creed is an exercise in trust. The Profession of Faith calls us to deepen our trust in God’s saving grace. How do you strive to put this […]

Living the Mass the Other Six Days of the Week: The Liturgy of the Word

Joe Paprocki

As we journey through the National Eucharistic Revival, we are reflecting on the parts of the Mass and what each part is calling us to do and be the other six days of the week. In this episode, we look at the Liturgy of the Word and how the Scripture readings invite us to reshape the narrative of our lives and of the world from one of loss, brokenness, and fear to one of rescue, restoration, […]

Living the Mass the Other Six Days of the Week: The Penitential Act

Joe Paprocki

During the National Eucharistic Revival, let’s look at the parts of the Mass to reflect on what each part is calling us to do and be the other six days of the week. In this episode, we look at the Penitential Act, through which we acknowledge that we are sinners and ask for God’s forgiveness. We consider how the Penitential Act of the Mass calls us to embrace our brokenness and open ourselves up to […]

Seven Clues: A Catholic Treasure Hunt book by Scott Hahn and Maura Roan McKeegan (pictured)

Seven Clues to These Sacred Mysteries

Joe Paprocki

At the beginning of Mass, the priest greets the assembly and says, “Brothers and Sisters, let us acknowledge our sins, and so prepare ourselves to celebrate these sacred mysteries.” Children are especially intrigued by mysteries! When my kids were of grade-school age and got together with their same-aged cousins, they eagerly put their heads together to solve mysteries as they played their own version of the TV show Ghostwriter. Of course, the key to solving […]

Living the Mass the Other Six Days of the Week: The Introductory Rites

Joe Paprocki

As we journey through the National Eucharistic Revival, let’s look at the parts of the Mass to reflect on what each part of the Mass is calling us to do and be the other six days of the week. In this episode, we look at the Introductory Rites, which include the opening procession, the greeting by the priest, and the Penitential Act. We consider how these elements of the Mass call us to move from […]

Living the Mass: A Eucharistic Revival Webinar

Joe Paprocki

The National Eucharistic Revival, taking place now through 2025, presents us with an excellent opportunity to deepen our understanding of and devotion to the Eucharist and to foster full, active, and conscious participation in the Mass. With that in mind, I am excited to announce that I will be doing a webinar with Fr. Dominic Grassi based on our book, Living the Mass: How One Hour a Week Can Change Your Life. Living the Mass: […]