Do I Have to Go to Mass? Sunday Obligation Explained

Why do we go to Mass every Sunday? Is it because of what we "get out of it"? Is it the way it makes us feel? Is it out of love for God? Or something even deeper and more profound?

Today, Fr. Mike explains the Church's teaching on Sunday Mass obligation, and why this is the way that God has asked us to worship him.

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[christophewakim]

Hey 3 days ago we met someone whose name was Mohamed and he told me that after Catholic young preachers talked to him about Jesus he felt the holy spirit the love of God in his life and he changed his name to Michael and I though of father Mike for a second. Praise God for this conversion 🙌🏼

[babyboy]

I’m a Protestant considering becoming a Catholic, don’t even know where to begin. Where do I start? Can I attend Catholic mass as a Protestant? Can I go to confession? I recently had a dream where Mary appeared and told me to pray the rosary and I am, and I’m already seeing massive peace in my heart. What next?

[southpaw]

It really hit me when Father said it matters to other people if we go. One time, when I was camping, I went to Mass at a strange church. I looked around and wondered who would care if I hadn't gone and would anyone miss me if my seat were empty. They didn't know me. Suddenly, I had a revelation - not really a voice, but I knew it was from God - telling me, kind of showing me, how different it would be if I were not there. I realized my presence truly mattered. Very strange feeling, but profound and humbling.

[edwardfabela]

Looks like I'll be going to confession this Saturday.
Thank you Father Mike, God's peace and protection for you and yours.
Vivat Jesus.

[marypinakat]

*"The Church need you to be at Mass."*
- FR. MIKE SCHMITZ
Thanks Father for neatly explaining how fair and indeed justified it is. You did pack in so much, in fact everything. *It is a 'deep dive'☆*

[jazzycup]

I've run the gamut on religious theory and doctrine, Atheism, to Agnosticism but I'm finally going back to Mass after 30 years away (I'm 35 soooo... Yeah) and hopefully can get enrolled in RCIA, as my parents didn't baptize me as a child.

I work nights and Mass is at 11:30AM but I'm fully dedicated to stop filling this hole in my soul with needless Amazon purchases and excuses, and fill it with God's light and love.

[Alan]

I had to stop attending mass and most other things in my life to protect my mother during the COVID pandemic. This week, as soon as I walked through the doors of the Church, my heart exploded with overwhelming love which brought me to tears of joy. The Lord was saying to me: "Welcome back my friend".

[ladyolinden]

As a disabled adult who struggles cuz I often look fine and also overestimate myself even though I should know better…

I struggle with missing mass and then beating myself up for it too.
I haven’t been able to go to mass in a couple months, and when is see the Sunday masses streamed and posted form Father Mike, I’d feel so embarrassed and guilt-ridden that I’d scroll away quickly.

This past Sunday I watched Father Mike’s mass (tho I watched it around 6PM and I’m central time sooo… I could’ve been better with timing)
I’m so glad I did! Last Sunday especially I needed to hear it. I cried from the beauty and timing.

And I pray I’ll be able to find my way back to at least the online masses and eventually I want to get back to in-person at my extended family’s parish (that I hope to become part of and eventually attend daily mass too)

I’ve been praying so much for help from God lately. I want to do better, I want to be better.

[mazikode]

Thank you father Mike for explaining our sunday obligation. It is justice and we actually should give God more than this

[seans.]

5:50 "I want to love Him really, really well, really, really well." I think He wants to love you (and us all) really really really really well.😊 7:48 "We need you...you matter." Aww. God Bless.

[christyholmes]

Thank you Fr. Mike for speaking so clearly, seriously and beautifully about our obligation for Mass. Thank you for your loving leadership! 🙏💗

[viobenarrallos]

This is a reminder to all catholics. I sometimes take the Sunday mass for granted especially when I'm late or stressed. attending Sunday mass is an obligation to worship our Creator, the King of all Kings! That no matter how difficult life is, we have to spare our Sundays to God!

[GiaBlinks]

I needed to hear this. This Sunday I planned to go to 6pm mass because I worked during the morning masses. But, time got away from me. I still had time to get there when I noticed, and I decided to pretend to forget. I need to confess.

[ktigerk]

I work as a missionary youth minister, and we had planned to do a lesson on the Mass last night. Lo and behold, this video came out. The way Father explains the importance of the Mass and the reason for the Sunday obligation is so clear and loving, I couldn't think of a better way to explain it to my teens. I ended up using this video during part of the night, and many of them really liked it. One of them told one of my volunteers, "I never realized the Mass wasn't meant mainly for us." It was such a fruitful night. What providence!

[rjohnson]

This is something I have trouble with. I have had problems with social anxiety, to one degree or another, my entire life. Going to Mass every Sunday, let alone on time every Sunday can be difficult. In the past I have forced myself to go despite my feeling anxious. I can understand the real grace I recieve, and the Glory I can give to God but I feel like it results in the opposite of what God really wants for me or for anyone because of the added anxiety which can remain with me for some time afterward. I think ultimately it comes down to not wanting to develop an association with my anxiety and my worship.

[shannonmaria]

Well said Father! I think it's important to add that if someone rarely or never attends Mass, it's incredibly easy for them to forget about the faith. Going to Mass each Sunday serves as a constant reminder to keep God in our lives. So if you skip Mass one week, that could lead you to skipping multiple weeks, months, or even years. Then eventually you may not even give God a second thought. This is incredibly dangerous. So please, never miss Mass unless it is for a reason beyond your control (like illness or a broken down car).

[Cesspit]

It was a hard video to swallow. But I'm glad none the less. I've been struggling for so long about finding a live in person mass due to how far away or the lack of masses in my city. I need help, and it's great to know that I matter, I've never really felt as if I did.

[_OO________]

I had to miss mass two weekends in a row recently due to being around people with viruses. Didn't want to spread it, so I watched the virtual mass on this channel. It still does make me think about mortal sin though.

[adrianacarpio]

It's always a pleasure to listen to your advice Fr. Mike, I always learn something new or a better way to explains things to my family. I also listen to you with Bible in a year, and I am so grateful to you because so much makes sense to me now. Please, never stop, you are filled with God's grace, may He bless you always! 👍🏼🙏🏼✝️🙋🏻‍♀️🥰

[DianeWasylishyn]

Excellent explanation Father thank you
Sadly I have missed many but not anymore I go daily now