2007-02-01 23:43:30 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
It is very important for a Catholic to go to Mass.
In the Mass, we:
+ Gather as one family
+ Admit our sins, ask God for forgiveness, and the saints and each other for prayer and support
+ Glorify God
+ Listen to, ponder and reflect on His Word from the Scriptures
+ Pray for the Church, the world, those in need, and ourselves
+ Receive the Eucharist (Holy Communion) in obedience with Christ's command to "do this in memory of me."
+ Are sent out into the world to love and serve the Lord and one another
It is called "Mass" (from the Latin missa) because of the "mission" or "sending" with which the liturgical celebration concludes.
With love in Christ.
2007-02-02 15:16:35 · answer #1 · answered by imacatholic2 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
According to Catholic law It's a mortal sin if you don't and it's because you made a conscious decision to miss.
The Roman Catholic doctrine is the letter of the law for Catholics. A lot of people pick and choose what they want to agree with and follow. The Catholic Church doesn't really care if you agree or not; it's the law and you are expected to follow.
A Priest once put it to me this way: "Do you want to be a good Christian, or do you want to be a good Catholic?"
Many of the world's religions came from people who had had it with the Catholic Church and left; most notably Martin Luther.
2007-02-02 07:55:24 · answer #2 · answered by Scott 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Please ignore the ignorant answers that say things like "to pay their dues" and "to be perfect and sinless so they can get into heaven." The fact is, just like with any religion, it's important to have a holy place where members can come together, worship, fellowship and learn about their God and religion. Going to church, according to the Bible used by catholics, is not 100% mandatory to get into heaven, but it is an important tool that should be used by its members. God instructs all Christians, Jews and Gentiles (non-Jews :) ) to come together into a place of worship and praise the Lord and learn about his ways and his son Jesus Christ. Paying tithes (the dues) is just a way to keep the Church up and running, and if they're misusing that money like most people think they are, then that's between them and God. Anyway, I hope that helps!
2007-02-02 07:53:04 · answer #3 · answered by jbishum 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
To go and perform the useless rituals and sacraments will do them no good for eternity. Salvation is a GIFT from God(Ephesians 2:8-10). They are trying to earn a gift. That's impossible. Faith in Christ and becoming born again (John 3:3 ) is the ONLY way to heaven.
2007-02-02 07:50:55 · answer #4 · answered by Jeff C 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Jesus told us that where two or more are gathered He would be there.
Church gives us a place where we can gather as a community.
We are there for the Mass. We are there to have fellowship with others. Being with others gives us encouragement. Uniting our prayers with others helps us when we need the support of others. We can pray privately at home but Jesus told us to "Do this in memory of Me." This consecration is done during the holy sacrifice of the Mass.
2007-02-02 07:50:30 · answer #5 · answered by Mary W 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Remember the Commandment "Keep Holy the Sabath".
Also, unless extenuating circumstances apply, you cannot receive the Sacrament of Holy Communion unless you go to mass.
2007-02-03 10:01:08 · answer #6 · answered by Daver 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The early Christians gathered in individual homes to praise and worship God and to share the Eucharistic meal. They gathered to show that tehy were not just individual believers, but members of the Body of Christ as written by St. Paul.
If we are to be the Body of Christ, we must gather together to praise, worship, and serve.
2007-02-02 10:12:23 · answer #7 · answered by Sldgman 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think they believe: You must go to church, read the bible, be perfect, never sin, obey the ten commandments perfectly, believe in the sacraments then a Catholic can go to heaven.
2007-02-02 07:47:34 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Catholics refer to attending church as an obligation or duty...something they must do.
2007-02-02 07:56:24 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It helps us reconnect with God. We go to participate in the holy mass, to hear God's word, to reconnect with God. It is a spiritual thing that helps our souls. I go because I love how I feel in mass, for one hour all my problems fade away as I listen to the bible and hear the prayers. It's so peaceful. I sometimes go to pray in church when there is no mass.
2007-02-02 07:47:33 · answer #10 · answered by sister steph 6 · 1⤊ 2⤋