Catholics: How many of you are actually enthusiastic about going to church?

Question

How many of you go just because you've always gone?

I'm just wondering. Maybe I lost the faith. I went to a catholic elementary school and a highschool run by jesuits. My father is a deacon, and my aunt has been a nun for over 50 years. I just feel like it got shoved down my throat, and I just stopped going to mass. I think I can still be devout without going to mass every Sunday. I look at it this way. When you go to someone's house, and you don't really want to be there, they can tell. So, God will know for damn sure that I don't want to be at HIS house if I don't want to.

Answer 1

I go, and I am enthusiastic about it. The Eucharist fills me with joy, and I always feel very happy by the time I leave. Sometimes I feel like I have too much work to get done, or I'm too tired to go to Mass, but having gone I'm never sorry for it.

At the same time, I can understand why you are less than enthused. Forcing something upon a person is never a good way of convincing them of its worth. What's more, you're right in that God will certainly know that you don't really want to be there. So what's the point? Receiving the Body and Blood of Christ is still worthwhile. Try looking up the origins of the Catholic Mass. Why we do everything the way we do. Perhaps that will make it more meaningful (or at least more interesting) for you.

Answer 2

I used to not like going. It took me the realization that I didn't understand Catholicism, despite growing up in it, to understand the importance of going to Mass, and what it is really all about. It is based around the eucharist, the very basis for the Catholic faith. It is a very reverent time, and should be treated as such. That being said, not going to Mass because you don't like it, is a mortal sin. Despite whether you like going or not, it is very important to go.

Answer 3

I always go but I'm not usually enthusiastic. Like most other duties and responsibilities in life, they can become a chore.

I mean, who likes to wake up at 5:00 a. m. to go to work...or help his 6th grader with his math homework...or drive 500 miles to Mom's house to do some repairs, etc.

It'll be a rare day the time one gets to choose his responsibilities based on how he "feels!"

Answer 4

Not really - I don't feel like I am going for the right reasons. I only half pay attention when I am there. It's like I go to do my duty and show up and that's it. I pray at home, and am a good person...what's the difference if I do that in my own home, or in a place called a church ?

Answer 5

I am enthusiastic about going always. I take great comfort that no matter what church it is, no matter how boring the priest, I can always count on those words, "Then he took bread, broke it, gave it to his diciples and said, 'Take this all of you and eat it. This is my body, which will be given up for you.'"

It is always there. And I always look forward to it, because it is those very words that being Catholic is all about. :-)

Answer 6

We must be careful in believing that our feelings are the rule or standard for worship and living a virtuous life. Niether are dependent on our feelings. I am a Catholic priest and I truly tell you that there are times I do not feel like being at the altar. I feel like being at the beach or movies rather than lead the worship of a community. There are other days when my heart is not joyful when coming to the altar to worship. Still, I worship and minister to the people of God no matter my feelings. The reason why is because being human is more than just having feelings.
We constantly do things whether we feel like it or not. When I was with the Marines I did not feel like going to war (Desert Sheild/Storm). But I did anyway for it was for a good beyond my feelings. A new mother may be sleeping and really wants to sleep still, but when her infant cries for a change or bottle, she gets up and either changes or feeds her child.
The supreme example of this would be Jesus the Christ. He prayed in the Garden and really did not feel like dying on the Cross. "If it is possible, Father, let this cup (suffering) pass from me." He did not feel like saving us and going through such dreadful pain and a horrendous death. But He did say, "Not my will, but your will." And so, even Jesus did not let His feelings set the standard for worship and living a virtuous life. He did not let His feelings set the standard for performing or getting in the way of His salvific mission for us.
And so, I go to church when I feel like it and truly enjoy it. I also go to church even when I don't feel like it. Why? Because I recognize my capacity as a human being that I am more than what I feel. Also, I recognize the greater good it causes in my community when I am there worshipping with them.
We should be careful about our feelings because God does take them into account. If you go through life believing that your feelings are the chief indicator whether to love God and serve neighbor or not, then God will not accept you into His Kingdom. Why? Because God cannot understand an ambivelant heart. If a people or person hates God, at least He knows where they stand. They are a person of integrity. Yet, for one who lives according to the whims of their feelings, He does not know who they are. "Do you desire me or not?" He would ask. So, I love God even beyond my feelings so He may know me and where I stand in relationship with Him. So, be careful.
May the Lord bless and keep you. May He let the light of His face shine upon you.
God's and your beast of burden
Fr. john

Answer 7

It's mot tedious to me. You get to look at all of the people who believe in your faith and sing and pray with them. I've also made a lot of friends in church.

Answer 8

I can see your point.

Of course, it's totally wrong.

Satan is a rebel, too.

And no, you can't be a devout Catholic without celebrating Mass every Sunday.

Failing to attend Mass, all you do is risk eternal judgment to hell .... by default.

Answer 9

not really enthusiastic.its boring most of the times