Nine Reasons for Going to Mass

Cardinal Seán O’Malley, archbishop of Boston, wrote the pastoral letter “Jesus’ Eager Desire: Our Participation in the Sunday Mass” to Catholics in his archdiocese in November 2011. In it, he called for frequent and more enthusiastic participation in the Mass.

This condensed version of this letter names nine reasons why Catholics come to Mass. Cardinal O’Malley extends welcome and encouragement to those Catholics who can’t receive holy Communion and explains the four ways Christ is present at Mass.

Updated in 2018.