Irish bishops launch initiative encouraging faithful to return to Sunday Mass

The Irish Catholic Bishops Conference is publishing a pastoral message this weekend as part of an initiative to encourage the faithful to return to Sunday Mass in person, after the COVID-19 pandemic contributed to plummeting levels of Mass attendance. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VQ-QZV51t5k&t=198s

Bishop Denis Nulty of Kildare and Leighlin will launch the initiative, “Why Sunday Matters – an invitation to reflect on Sunday Mass,” at the 10:30 a.m. Mass Aug. 31 at the Cathedral of the Assumption of Blessed Virgin Mary, Carlow, according to the Irish Catholic website The Way.

He also explained the importance of the initiative in a video message.

“As we journey through this Jubilee Year of Hope, the Irish Bishops’ Conference invites everyone to reflect on the profound importance of Sunday Mass,” he said. “Gathering as a community on the Lord’s day to celebrate the Eucharist has always been at the heart of our Church.”

Bishop Nulty recognized that factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the sexual abuse scandals isolated many people from the Church. He remarked that the four-page pastoral message is designed to help parishes discuss how they can be more welcoming and how to enrich the celebration of the Mass.

The resource, which is already available online, also delves into why the Mass is the source and summit of the Christian faith.

“It is where we encounter Christ in His living presence, and it is through the Eucharist that we are strengthened to live as true disciples,” the message states. “Attending Mass on Sundays, or its vigil on Saturday evening, is not just an obligation; it is a profound privilege and a chance to experience God’s love in a deeply personal way. As we come to this sacred celebration let us do so with hearts full of gratitude for the precious gift of Christ’s presence among us. “