MyCatholicSource.com - 'Quick Help' Page: Is Mass A Mere Meal? Is Communion The 'High Point' Of Mass? Is Mass For Socialization?

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No! In fact, we must be on special guard in our age against the movement of those who propagate Protestant errors – those who want to turn the Sacrifice of the Mass into a mere meal, where Communion is the culmination, rather than the consecration. These errors amount to heresy and have been condemned by the Church. Also, we must be on guard against the common error today that considers Mass not as a Sacrifice, but as a socializing occasion or a stage show. We must keep in mind that we gather as a community not to socialize with each other or to be entertained, but to propitiate God, whom we have offended, and worship Him in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. The proper time to socialize with our neighbor and to enjoy entertainment is outside of Mass. When we are in church, we are in the Lord's house ["a house of prayer" (Our Lord Jesus Christ, Mt. 21:13)]. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass – the true re-presentation of Calvary – is a solemn, holy occasion and it is a prefigurement of heavenly worship of God. If you read in Revelation how those in heaven worship God, you will see that they are not directing their attention towards each other, engaging in private conversation, adopting irreverent postures, enjoying 'modern music', seeking entertainment, etc. Rather, they seem to follow admonitions such as...

"Serve the LORD with fear; with trembling bow down in homage" (Ps. 2:11)

And...

"This is the one whom I approve: the lowly and afflicted man who trembles at my word." (Isa. 66:2)

Catholics must recognize and appreciate that Mass is the re-presentation of Calvary. Mass is not a party. Socializing should be conducted outside the church building (e.g. in the hall).

As St. John Vianney asks...

"When you hear Mass, do you come in the same frame of mind as the Blessed Virgin at Calvary? Because it is the same God, and the same Sacrifice." (St. John Vianney)

Note: The Novus Ordo Mass of the 1960's may make it quite difficult for Catholics to avoid certain errors such as those above. Thankfully, the Traditional Latin Mass is still lawfully said throughout the world. This ancient & incomparable, highly reverent Mass contains numerous & significant differences from the 1960's Novus Ordo Mass (try here for more information). To locate a Traditional Latin Mass in your area, try here.

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