The Mass is powerful
The Mass is the most powerful prayer that exists. The Son of God physically enters the world at each and every Catholic Mass.
But if the Mass is so powerful, why don’t we experience it as powerful? Why do we—and the world—seem unchanged?
The answer is simple: we don’t grasp what’s happening because we don’t know enough about it. We don’t change because we’re unaware of the opportunity for profound graces. Many of us see the Mass as routine and ordinary. But if we understood it better, we’d know without doubt that the Mass is the most important thing in our lives.
It’s time to go deeper.
A true understanding of the Mass leads to a deeper experience, more graces, interior transformation, and personal spiritual renewal.
“If we really understood the Mass,” said St. John Vianney, “we would die of joy.”
The Mass is not a purposeless ritual. It has developed over thousands of years, starting before the birth of Christ. It’s a tapestry of Scripture and Tradition containing the entire mystery of our salvation. That’s no small thing, which is why so many of us Catholics struggle. It can be hard to see all the beauty before us; to soak in all the signs of God’s love; to respond to His many invitations throughout each and every celebration of the Sacred Liturgy.
If we want to feel more alive during the Mass, then we need to understand what is really going on. If we want to see God in these mysteries, we need to know where to look.
If we want to worship God like we ought to—if we want to experience His Love like He wants us to—then we need to focus on what He has given us: the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.
Let’s unlock it together.
Our series is here to take you deeper. We’ll go on a 30-day journey into the hidden depths of the Mass and help you navigate the deep symbolism of its rituals. We’ll explore its biblical foundations, from Genesis to Revelation. We’ll tell you about the true purpose of the Mass and guide you to a deeper appreciation of Our Lord’s actions within it.
Join us, and discover why Padre Pio said: “It would be easier for the world to survive without the sun than to do without Holy Mass.”
How Does it Work?
For each of the 30 days of this series you will receive an email linking you to new daily content posted right here at GoodCatholic.com. You’ll also have access to all 30 sessions immediately, if you’d like to go at your own pace. You can repeat the series as often as you wish for one full year. Don’t wait! Subscribe today.
Series Contributors
Father Brad Doyle
Fr. Brad Doyle is a priest for the Diocese of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He began his discernment as a teenager after a life-changing experience with Jesus in the Eucharist. He went on to study as a seminarian at St. Joseph Seminary College and Notre Dame Seminary in the Archdiocese of New Orleans and was ordained to the priesthood in 2015. Fr. Brad currently serves as parochial vicar at St. Margaret of Scotland Church in Albany, Louisiana, and is the chaplain at St. Thomas Aquinas High School. His passion for authentic witness and evangelization has led to numerous media projects, including Coffee Talk with Fr. Brad and his faith-based trivia podcast The Quizzical Papist. He often describes himself as “an evangelist for Jesus, His Church, and Louisiana culture.”
Peter Gohn
Peter Gohn, a proud Irish Catholic and Massachusetts native, studied History and Theology at The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. He then spent several years teaching at Christ the King Catholic High School near Charlotte, North Carolina, while also working as a freelance editor. He joined The Catholic Company in 2017 and became a key member of the Good Catholic project soon after it was launched. When not writing, Peter is likely to be found re-reading his many books, playing his piano, or watching Boston sports. His deep love of ancient and medieval history lends itself to unpacking the many rich traditions of our Catholic faith. He and his wife currently reside in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Whitney Hetzel
Whitney Hetzel and her husband, James, have been married for thirty-three years. They have nine children ranging in age from twelve to thirty-two. Whitney, who has been homeschooling for twenty-seven years, is an exercise enthusiast who enjoys blogging about health and fitness over at 9 Kid Fitness. But her real passion is discussing faith, family, and the challenges of putting one foot in front of the other on a daily basis, all of which she writes about at Catholic Company Magazine and the Good Catholic blog. Whitney has a B.A. in English and Journalism from Indiana University and an M.A. in Counseling Psychology from Saint Louis University.
44 Reviews
I just did the third day of the series on the Mass, this could be the best one yet, although they have all been more than I expected, this one on the Mass is terrific, thank you Catholic Company, this one I really enjoy.
Hello! I finished day 3 of the Holy mass series! Good stuff… I’m so so glad I am doing this series! Great job Good Catholic !!!
I really appreciate the beautiful visuals in this series; I look at and meditate on them. I listen to the scriptural audio rosary to say my rosary when I walk in the mornings – a way to extend the series throughout the day.
Thank you for doing this series on the mass. I find myself reading each day, so far, slowly wanting to make sure I comprehend all that Im reading.
This is an amazing series
This series really “brings it home”.
Just did Day 7 and it was amazing! Loved it! Love the series!
My mind as well as my spiritual mind is awakening, and each week I go mass, I am so much more aware of the intrinsic value of the Mass. I look forward more to going to Mass than I have in a very long time!
This is such a great series. Learning so much and appreciating the Mass
I’m 72 and learning things I was never taught.
There is so much new information. My exclamation each day is; “Who knew!” …I know I am now excited to go to Mass, to find these parts, to insert what I’ve learned and to be a better Catholic. Thank you, God!
I like Fr. Brad too. Hes very down to earth in his explanations. He also has a beautiful singing voice.