Almost three months ago I began attending Catholic Mass regularly again after an absence of more than a decade. As with many other things in my life the decision to attend mass regularly again was formed largely sub-consciously.
Being a longtime member of Alcoholics Anonymous, I am constantly trying to determine what God’s will is and I often tend to look at life from a spiritual angle. There was no single event or set of circumstances that compelled me to attend Catholic Mass again. Rather, I honestly believe that a true spiritual awakening occurred and God was telling me it was time to return to the church.
In today’s fast-paced and hectic world there is ample media coverage of people who have left the catholic church and others who choose to renounce their faith and criticize the church. At least for myself, I have found that going back to Catholic Mass has helped me very much.
Take this afternoon for example. Being Saturday, I was preparing to go to the 4:00 pm mass I usually attend but I was a little stressed-out and running late. When I arrived at the cathedral where I attend mass and entered the building, every bit of stress I was feeling instantly disappeared.
The combination of the cathedral’s majestic beauty, the presence of the other attendees and the spiritual component of being in a place of worship instantly provided a sense of calmness and serenity that I have not been able to find anywhere else.
When I glance around the cathedral and see all of the other people attending mass it gives me a good feeling. People of all ages, races, ethnicity and backgrounds attend the Saturday mass and it’s nice to see and greet familiar faces who also choose to profess their faith.
To have a place to go where myself or anyone else can feel free to pray and worship is a beautiful thing. Add to that the live organ and piano music and the communal singing of hymns and attending Catholic Mass becomes a truly uplifting experience.
A great benefit that I derive from attending catholic mass manifests itself after the mass is over and I leave the cathedral. A feeling of peace and serenity is present after I attend mass. Unfortunately, that feeling is sometimes short-lived when I get right back into the hustle and bustle of the city. Small amounts of that peace and serenity do stay with me during the week though. Overall, I feel that attending mass helps me to be somewhat more patient and tolerant
Through AA I have developed a meaningful relationship with a God of my understanding. A power greater than myself. By attending Catholic mass again it clarifies and focuses my faith and adds a sense of tangibility.
Sources :
Personal experience with returning to the Catholic Mass
