Dear Villagers,
Hope all is well with each of you! With the gray skies above and the Ann Arbor Schools in the midst of Finals this week, Pope John Paul II's words about Our Mother Mary seem especially relevant "Know, that in difficult times…you are not alone: like [the disciple] John at the foot of the Cross, Jesus also gives his Mother to you so that she will comfort you with her tenderness.”
Last night at our regular Sunday night Village meeting we discovered three particular devotions to Our Lady- the Miraculous Medal, the Brown Scapular, and the Rosary. The Rosary is can lead us closer to Jesus! In the words of Pope John Paul II, "Simple yet profound, [the rosary] still remains, at the dawn of this third millennium, a prayer of great significance, destined to bring forth a harvest of holiness.” Together we heard the challenge to avoid the empty recitation of the Rosary, choosing instead to pray the Rosary devoutly by contemplating on the mystery given for each decade. Friends, keep in mind that while devotion to Mary is certainly not necessary, it can be a powerful way to draw closer to Christ by asking Mary's intercession and imitating her way of life!
In other Village News, registration is now open for the Franciscan University of Steubenville Youth Conference this summer! The Village has been attending these Conferences for the past two years, and our teens have unanimously found them to be challenging, inspiring, and *so* fun. This Youth Conference will feature at least one powerful hour of Eucharistic Adoration, the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass each day, nationally-renowned Catholic speakers, men’s and women’s time discussing the call to chastity, and two workshop sessions addressing a broad spectrum of topics.
--Checkout the Steubenville promo video at http://www.franciscanyouth.com/
--Join us at Dead Theologians this Thursday from 7-8 to discover St Thomas Aquinas!
--Your Question of the Week, Answered Below: What is going to happen to all the people who never hear the Gospel?
The Village News 1/24
This Thursday, 7-8pm: St Thomas Aquinas @ the Dead Theologians Society
Through the Saints of yesterday, the Dead Theologians Society, or DTS, inspires the youth of today to become the saints of tomorrow! Come on out and join us this Thursday to discover the man who once said, "Three things are necessary for the salvation of man: to know what he ought to believe; to know what he ought to desire; and to know what he ought to do.”
--6:30-7pm: gather in the Parish Offices for social time
--7-8pm: gather in the Church choir loft for prayer (the Elizabeth St door is always open)
--8-8:30pm: return to Parish Offices for hot cocoa & snacks
Next Sunday’s Village: Decoding the Marian Apparitions
Marian Apparitions are moments in history where Mary appeared to someone and gave them a message for the world. There are nine major Marian Apparitions that have been approved by the Catholic Church, moments in time where Our Mother came to give us a very special message! While these apparitions do not improve or complete Christ’s definitive Revelation (Catechism of the Catholic Church #67), they bring us the advice of our loving Mother to return to God with all our hearts! Next Sunday we’ll focus in on her apparitions at Guadalupe (in 1531), Lourdes (in 1858), and Fatima (in 1917). What were her messages to the world– and how do they apply to us in 2010??
RSVP to Serve at the St. Andrew’s Breakfast Program, Saturday 2/6 from 7-10am
For over 25 years, men and women in need have made their way to St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church for a cup of coffee and a hot breakfast any day of the week. Saturday, Feb 6th we’ll be joining our Christian brothers and sisters to serve breakfast to 100-150 people in need! We’ll be meeting at St Thomas at 7am, serving until 9am, and catching the 9am Mass to finish! St Andrew’s has asked us to bring just 7 volunteers to help cook and serve breakfast, due to the size of their kitchen. RSVP to Youth Minister Beth Spizarny as soon as you can!
Sign-up for the Franciscan University of Steubenville High School Youth Conference
This July 9th-11th, join The Village @ St Thomas for our annual road-trip to the Franciscan University of Steubenville High School Youth Conference! The Village has been attending these Youth Conferences since 2008, and our teens have unanimously found them to be challenging, inspiring, and lots of fun. This Youth Conference will feature at least one powerful hour of Eucharistic Adoration, the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass each day, nationally-renowned Catholic speakers, men’s and women’s time discussing the call to chastity, and two workshop s essions addressing a broad spectrum of topics.
Your Question of the Week:
What is going to happen to all the people who never hear the Gospel?
Regardless of whether people know it or not, humankind was created in order to know, love, and serve God. In Romans 1:19-20, St. Paul writes: “For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. Ever since the creation of the world His invisible nature, namely, His eternal power and deity, has been clearly perceived in the things that have been made.” In salvation history, God chose to reveal Himself after the Fall of Adam in many ways, culminating in the coming of His Son, Jesus, the New Adam. Jesus paid the debt for all sin through His Sacrifice so that all men may have the opportunity to be reconciled with God. The Gospel is the testimony of God’s desire to redeem humankind through Jesus, and the call to believe in Him as Lord. We know through Sacred Scripture that we can be saved from death only through the grace available through faith in Jesus (Ephesians 2:8). Calling on Tradition, the Catechism states that “believing in Jesus Christ and in the One Who sent Him for our salvation is necessary for obtaining that salvation” (CCC 161) and "outside the Church there is no salvation" (CCC 846).
So what happens to someone who—through no fault of his or her own—never has the chance to hear the Gospel, knows nothing of Jesus, but who may still live a good and exemplary life? Our Particular Judgment when we die is a reflection of our acceptance or rejection of God, and it is evidenced by how we have lived. We know that God has predestined no one to Hell (CCC 1037), so how do we reconcile this with the need to have faith in Jesus? What if a person never has the chance to specifically reject God because they are ignorant of the Gospel, or they do not even know about sin and redemption?
To answer this question, the Catechism quotes two documents from the Second Vatican Council, Lumen Gentium and Ad Gentes: “Those who, through no fault of their own, do not know the Gospel of Christ or his Church, but who nevertheless seek God with a sincere heart, and, moved by grace, try in their actions to do His will as they know it through the dictates of their conscience—those too may achieve eternal salvation” (CCC 847). "Although in ways known to Himself God can lead those who, through no fault of their own, are ignorant of the Gospel, to that faith without which it is impossible to please him, the Church still has the obligation and also the sacred right to evangelize all men." (CCC 848).
Through the mercy of God, people who do not know of Him directly can be saved, but that does not mean that they all will be saved. The Church reinforces the idea that relying on the mercy of God does not mean that we can abandon our direct call from Jesus to “go forth and make disciples of all nations.” Rather, it makes the need to accept that call even stronger.
Many today think that all people will go to Heaven. Some do not think that Hell can exist because a truly loving God would not condemn anyone. As Catholics, we know that this worldview is in error, that Heaven and Hell exist, and that God’s justice reflects our own choices and free will. We should pray for those who have never heard the Gospel and entrust them to His mercy, and we should also pray that we can be strengthened in our mission to bring God’s fullness of revelation in Jesus to everyone in the world. We are grateful to know Christ, and we entrust to our Blessed Mother those who do not yet know Him. We pray that she may help us and all others obtain the grace necessary for salvation.
25 January 2010
20 January 2010
Marian Devotion
Dear Villagers,
This past Sunday's Pro-Life Youth Rally went really well! It was so encouraging to see hundreds of teens gathered together to pray for an end to abortion. The presenters answered some tough questions on cases of rape and incest- provided us with some great statistics and helpful arguments for conversing with others. For those of you who weren't able to attend, I'm posting the handout on www.findthevillage.com, it summarizes quite a bit of what was presented!
One small change to our Spring Calendar- our regular meeting for Feb 7th has been canceled due to the Super Bowl. Something tells me people won't want to miss that- and that includes me!
This past semester we've gotten numerous questions from Villagers about our Mother Mary. Was she really ever-virgin? What does it mean that she was immaculately conceived? Does Scripture say she was crowned the Queen of Heaven? How do we know she was assumed into heaven? The Catechism declares that devotion to the Blessed Virgin is intrinsic to Christian worship itself. This Sunday at our regular Village Meeting we'll rediscover the Blessed Virgin Mary who responded to the Angel Gabriel with those words of faith, "Be it done unto me according to thy word!"
* This Thursday: Come hear about St Elizabeth Ann Seton at the Dead Theologians Society!
* Your Question of the Week: So if I missed Sunday Mass and died in a car accident before I went to Confession would I go to hell?
-----------------------------
The Village News
Thursday 1/14, 7-8pm: St Elizabeth Ann Seton @ the Dead Theologians Society
Through the Saints of yesterday, the Dead Theologians Society, or DTS, inspires the youth of today to become the saints of tomorrow! Come on out and join us this Thursday.
----7-8pm: gather in the Church choir loft for prayer (the Elizabeth St door is always open)
----8-8:30pm: return to Parish Offices for hot cocoa & snacks
Sunday’s Village: Mary & Marian Devotion
When the Angel Gabriel came to Mary– her response to God was simple: “Be it done unto me according to your will.” In these few words, she offered her life entirely to God. The Catechism declares that devotion to the Blessed Virgin is intrinsic to Christian worship itself (#971). Join us Sunday from 5-6:30pm as we discover Mary ever-virgin and ever-pure, Mother of God and our Mother!
The Village Serves at St. Andrew’s Breakfast Program, Saturday 2/6 from 7-10am
For over 25 years, men and women in need have made their way to St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church for a cup of coffee and a hot breakfast any day of the week. Saturday, Feb 6th we’ll be joining our Christian brothers and sisters to serve breakfast to 100-150 people in need! We’ll be meeting at St Thomas at 7am, serving until 9am, and catching the 9am Mass to finish! St Andrew’s has asked us to bring just 7 volunteers to help cook and serve breakfast, due to the size of their kitchen. RSVP to Youth Minister Beth Spizarny as soon as you can!
Sign-up for Steubenville High School Youth Conference 2010
This July 9th-11th, join The Village @ St Thomas for our annual roadtrip to the Franciscan University of Steubenville High School Youth Conference! Registration packets will be available online this week. Even Dominica and Tim Rhein are joining us again this year! The Village has been attending these Youth Conferences since 2008, and our teens have unanimously found them to be challenging, inspiring, and lots of fun. This Youth Conference will feature at least one powerful hour of Eucharistic Adoration, the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass each day, nationally-renowned Catholic speakers, men’s and women’s time discussing the call to chastity, and two workshop s essions addressing a broad spectrum of topics.
Your Question of the Week: So if I missed Sunday Mass and died in a car accident before I went to Confession would I go to hell?
Okay love the question, very moral theology meets real life. First off, the Church is very clear that missing Sunday Mass is grave matter- one of three required criteria that add up to make a sin a mortal sin. “For a sin to be mortal, three conditions must together be met: mortal sin is sin whose object is grave matter and which is also committed with full knowledge and deliberate consent.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church #1857)
Although the Church is quite clear that missing Mass is grave matter, it is conceivable that a person might miss Sunday Mass (grave matter) without having full knowledge that it is wrong to do so. It is even conceivable that a person might miss Sunday Mass without giving full consent. For example, a 7 year old is typically entirely dependent on their parents to drive them to Sunday Mass- so it is possible they might not be at fault for missing Sunday mass. In summary, the Catechism (#1861) clearly states that “although we can judge that an act is in itself grave matter, we must entrust judgment of persons to the justice and mercy of God.” So while we definitely know missing Sunday Mass is grave matter, there is no way we can judge whether it was a mortal sin when you missed Sunday Mass. Perhaps you know your own heart?
Mortal sin is *very* serious. “If a mortal sin is not redeemed by repentance and God’s forgiveness it causes exclusion from God’s heavenly kingdom and eternal death in hell,” according to the Catechism of the Catholic Church #1861.
Okay, back to your question! In a sense, the Church does recognize a "reconciliation of desire.” The Catechism of the Catholic Church defines contrition as "sorrow of the soul and detestation for the sin committed, together with the resolution not to sin again" (# 1451). Were you sorry for missing Sunday Mass? "When contrition arises from a love by which God is loved above all else, contrition is called ‘perfect’ (contrition of charity). Such contrition remits venial sins; it also obtains forgiveness of mortal sins if it includes the firm resolution to have recourse to sacramental confession as soon as possible" (# 1452). So if you had committed a mortal sin- had not been to the Sacrament of Confession- were sorry for what you had done and intended to make it to Confession very soon: your conscience would probably be free from that mortal sin.
Friends, keep in mind that this isn’t just a game. The more you sin (even venial sins) the more your inclination to sin grows. Sin can have eternal consequences! One of the realities of the Christian life is that we never know when our hour of death will come. There is no need to be consumed with fear and anxiety- our Lord wants you to be with Him in heaven! However, you do need to stay sober and consider carefully your choices- avoid mortal sin at all costs. If you do stumble, get to Confession and repent. You wouldn’t wait months to make up with your friends after an awful fight- why wait to reconcile with God?
This past Sunday's Pro-Life Youth Rally went really well! It was so encouraging to see hundreds of teens gathered together to pray for an end to abortion. The presenters answered some tough questions on cases of rape and incest- provided us with some great statistics and helpful arguments for conversing with others. For those of you who weren't able to attend, I'm posting the handout on www.findthevillage.com, it summarizes quite a bit of what was presented!
One small change to our Spring Calendar- our regular meeting for Feb 7th has been canceled due to the Super Bowl. Something tells me people won't want to miss that- and that includes me!
This past semester we've gotten numerous questions from Villagers about our Mother Mary. Was she really ever-virgin? What does it mean that she was immaculately conceived? Does Scripture say she was crowned the Queen of Heaven? How do we know she was assumed into heaven? The Catechism declares that devotion to the Blessed Virgin is intrinsic to Christian worship itself. This Sunday at our regular Village Meeting we'll rediscover the Blessed Virgin Mary who responded to the Angel Gabriel with those words of faith, "Be it done unto me according to thy word!"
* This Thursday: Come hear about St Elizabeth Ann Seton at the Dead Theologians Society!
* Your Question of the Week: So if I missed Sunday Mass and died in a car accident before I went to Confession would I go to hell?
-----------------------------
The Village News
Thursday 1/14, 7-8pm: St Elizabeth Ann Seton @ the Dead Theologians Society
Through the Saints of yesterday, the Dead Theologians Society, or DTS, inspires the youth of today to become the saints of tomorrow! Come on out and join us this Thursday.
----7-8pm: gather in the Church choir loft for prayer (the Elizabeth St door is always open)
----8-8:30pm: return to Parish Offices for hot cocoa & snacks
Sunday’s Village: Mary & Marian Devotion
When the Angel Gabriel came to Mary– her response to God was simple: “Be it done unto me according to your will.” In these few words, she offered her life entirely to God. The Catechism declares that devotion to the Blessed Virgin is intrinsic to Christian worship itself (#971). Join us Sunday from 5-6:30pm as we discover Mary ever-virgin and ever-pure, Mother of God and our Mother!
The Village Serves at St. Andrew’s Breakfast Program, Saturday 2/6 from 7-10am
For over 25 years, men and women in need have made their way to St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church for a cup of coffee and a hot breakfast any day of the week. Saturday, Feb 6th we’ll be joining our Christian brothers and sisters to serve breakfast to 100-150 people in need! We’ll be meeting at St Thomas at 7am, serving until 9am, and catching the 9am Mass to finish! St Andrew’s has asked us to bring just 7 volunteers to help cook and serve breakfast, due to the size of their kitchen. RSVP to Youth Minister Beth Spizarny as soon as you can!
Sign-up for Steubenville High School Youth Conference 2010
This July 9th-11th, join The Village @ St Thomas for our annual roadtrip to the Franciscan University of Steubenville High School Youth Conference! Registration packets will be available online this week. Even Dominica and Tim Rhein are joining us again this year! The Village has been attending these Youth Conferences since 2008, and our teens have unanimously found them to be challenging, inspiring, and lots of fun. This Youth Conference will feature at least one powerful hour of Eucharistic Adoration, the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass each day, nationally-renowned Catholic speakers, men’s and women’s time discussing the call to chastity, and two workshop s essions addressing a broad spectrum of topics.
Your Question of the Week: So if I missed Sunday Mass and died in a car accident before I went to Confession would I go to hell?
Okay love the question, very moral theology meets real life. First off, the Church is very clear that missing Sunday Mass is grave matter- one of three required criteria that add up to make a sin a mortal sin. “For a sin to be mortal, three conditions must together be met: mortal sin is sin whose object is grave matter and which is also committed with full knowledge and deliberate consent.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church #1857)
Although the Church is quite clear that missing Mass is grave matter, it is conceivable that a person might miss Sunday Mass (grave matter) without having full knowledge that it is wrong to do so. It is even conceivable that a person might miss Sunday Mass without giving full consent. For example, a 7 year old is typically entirely dependent on their parents to drive them to Sunday Mass- so it is possible they might not be at fault for missing Sunday mass. In summary, the Catechism (#1861) clearly states that “although we can judge that an act is in itself grave matter, we must entrust judgment of persons to the justice and mercy of God.” So while we definitely know missing Sunday Mass is grave matter, there is no way we can judge whether it was a mortal sin when you missed Sunday Mass. Perhaps you know your own heart?
Mortal sin is *very* serious. “If a mortal sin is not redeemed by repentance and God’s forgiveness it causes exclusion from God’s heavenly kingdom and eternal death in hell,” according to the Catechism of the Catholic Church #1861.
Okay, back to your question! In a sense, the Church does recognize a "reconciliation of desire.” The Catechism of the Catholic Church defines contrition as "sorrow of the soul and detestation for the sin committed, together with the resolution not to sin again" (# 1451). Were you sorry for missing Sunday Mass? "When contrition arises from a love by which God is loved above all else, contrition is called ‘perfect’ (contrition of charity). Such contrition remits venial sins; it also obtains forgiveness of mortal sins if it includes the firm resolution to have recourse to sacramental confession as soon as possible" (# 1452). So if you had committed a mortal sin- had not been to the Sacrament of Confession- were sorry for what you had done and intended to make it to Confession very soon: your conscience would probably be free from that mortal sin.
Friends, keep in mind that this isn’t just a game. The more you sin (even venial sins) the more your inclination to sin grows. Sin can have eternal consequences! One of the realities of the Christian life is that we never know when our hour of death will come. There is no need to be consumed with fear and anxiety- our Lord wants you to be with Him in heaven! However, you do need to stay sober and consider carefully your choices- avoid mortal sin at all costs. If you do stumble, get to Confession and repent. You wouldn’t wait months to make up with your friends after an awful fight- why wait to reconcile with God?
11 January 2010
Pro-Life Youth Rally 1/17
Thanks to all who came out last night for our Spring Kickoff! We sure had some memorable moments: a powerful time of Eucharistic Adoration, Rob putting his foot- right hand- and left elbow in eggnog, and social time with pizza!
We also spent some time discussing our theme for Spring semester- "You are the salt of the earth, You are the light of the world," which comes to us from Matthew Chapter 5 as well as 2000's World Youth Day in Toronto. This semester we will prepare to be strong witnesses for Christ! Choosing to be a witness for Jesus, choosing to avoid sin and strive for holiness- this is the path to true happiness in life! See attachment for full Spring Calendar.
This Sunday in place of our regular Village Meeting we're heading out to Victorious Life Church of God for our Pro-Life Youth Rally with Christians from around the area! As we gather near the anniversary of Roe v. Wade, we'll pray for an end to abortion. Veritas Detroit will be presenting reasons to be pro-life and ways you can be an advocate for life. There will also be a good amount of time dedicated to answering any questions you may have. St Andrew's in Saline, Christ the King, and St John's in Ypsilanti are all coming out for this annual event!
* Sunday's Pro-Life Youth Rally: transportation not provided but parent carpools are available, see below
* This Thursday: The Dead Theologians Society returns with St George!
* Your Question of the Week: Why is it a mortal sin to miss mass once or twice?
God Bless,Beth
The Village News
Sunday, 1/17, 7-9pm: Life Boat Pro-Life Youth Rally
This Sunday we will be gathering with Christians from around the area at Victorious Life Church of God in Ypsi, to pray for an end to abortion. At this annual Youth Rally local experts will help answer your questions about the pro-life movement while helping you identify ways you can be more pro-life in your everyday life! Come a little early if you’d like some free pizza– it will be served from 6:30-7pm! Village Volunteers will be there by 6:45pm. Meet us @ Victorious Life Church of God 860 East Clark Road Ypsilanti, MI 48197!
Transportation will not be provided, thank you for carpooling to cut back on costs! Do you need a ride? Contact one of the parents listed below who are driving carpools to this Youth Rally. Please note that these are not coordinated by St Thomas, and may be leaving from various locations at different times.
* Marie Williams mariewms@comcast.net - Huron School District
* Suzan Zick suzanzick@att.net - Skyline School District
* Cathy Dowling cathydowling@sbcglobal.net - Huron School District
Driving Directions:Take US-23 to Washtenaw Road, exit towards Ypsilanti.Turn left at Hogback/Carpenter Road. Turn right onto Clark Road, which becomes North Huron River Drive after 2 miles. Just after McDonald's, turn left at LeForge and continue for 1/2 mile. Turn right onto Clark Road.
This Thursday 1/14, 7-8pm: St George @ The Dead Theologians Society
Through the Saints of yesterday, the Dead Theologians Society, or DTS, inspires the youth of today to become the saints of tomorrow! Come on out and join us this Thursday.
6:30pm: social time in the Parish Offices
7-8pm: gather in the Church choir loft for prayer (the Elizabeth St door is always open)
8-8:30pm: return to Parish Offices for hot cocoa & snacks
Your Question of the Week: why is missing Mass once or twice a mortal sin?
First let’s call to mind the importance of the Mass. Each Sunday, we gather together as a Church with hearts filled with joy to worship Almighty God. We remember and profess our faith once again in the mystery of our salvation- that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, suffered, died, and rose for our salvation. At Mass, each faithful Catholic is fed with abundant graces:
We are nourished by the Word of God-- God's eternal truth that has been revealed to us and recorded through the Holy Spirit. If we are in a state of grace, we have the opportunity to receive our Lord in the Holy Eucharist. We firmly believe that our Lord is truly present in the Holy Eucharist, and that we receive His Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity in Holy Communion.
With these things in mind, no one should simply think of attending Mass as fulfilling an obligation. To attend Mass is a privilege, and any faithful Catholic should want to attend Mass. However, because the Mass offers such precious gifts, provides the nourishment of great graces, and unites us as a Church, we do indeed have a sacred obligation to attend Mass. Remember that the Third Commandment stated, "Keep Holy the Sabbath."
Given how precious the Mass is the Code of Canon Law (#1246) proscribes… "On Sundays and other holy days of obligation, the faithful are bound to participate in the Mass" (#1247).Therefore, the Catechism teaches, "Those who deliberately fail in this obligation commit grave sin" (#2181), and grave sin is one condition of a mortal sin. Note that missing mass when you are sick, or weather conditions are extremely unsafe is certainly not a sin- although you are strongly encouraged to spend time in prayer in some other way.
When a person negligently "bags Mass," to go shopping, catch-up on work, sleep a few extra hours, attend a social event, or not interrupt vacation, the person is allowing something to take the place of God. Something becomes more valuable than the Holy Eucharist. This is grave matter indeed! God must come first in our lives. On Sunday, our primary duty is to worship God at Mass as a Church and to be nourished with His grace.
Missing Mass on Sunday or another Holy Day of Obligation is certainly a sin. There are three conditions for a sin to be a mortal sin- it must be grave matter, committed with full knowledge that it is wrong, and committed with full consent. (Catechism #1857) Missing Mass is always grave matter. The other two conditions are not necessarily present in all Catholics when they miss Mass, although the act itself is always sinful. The moral of the story is, get to Mass on Sunday!! Ask around, others are always willing to give you a ride if you need.
We also spent some time discussing our theme for Spring semester- "You are the salt of the earth, You are the light of the world," which comes to us from Matthew Chapter 5 as well as 2000's World Youth Day in Toronto. This semester we will prepare to be strong witnesses for Christ! Choosing to be a witness for Jesus, choosing to avoid sin and strive for holiness- this is the path to true happiness in life! See attachment for full Spring Calendar.
This Sunday in place of our regular Village Meeting we're heading out to Victorious Life Church of God for our Pro-Life Youth Rally with Christians from around the area! As we gather near the anniversary of Roe v. Wade, we'll pray for an end to abortion. Veritas Detroit will be presenting reasons to be pro-life and ways you can be an advocate for life. There will also be a good amount of time dedicated to answering any questions you may have. St Andrew's in Saline, Christ the King, and St John's in Ypsilanti are all coming out for this annual event!
* Sunday's Pro-Life Youth Rally: transportation not provided but parent carpools are available, see below
* This Thursday: The Dead Theologians Society returns with St George!
* Your Question of the Week: Why is it a mortal sin to miss mass once or twice?
God Bless,Beth
The Village News
Sunday, 1/17, 7-9pm: Life Boat Pro-Life Youth Rally
This Sunday we will be gathering with Christians from around the area at Victorious Life Church of God in Ypsi, to pray for an end to abortion. At this annual Youth Rally local experts will help answer your questions about the pro-life movement while helping you identify ways you can be more pro-life in your everyday life! Come a little early if you’d like some free pizza– it will be served from 6:30-7pm! Village Volunteers will be there by 6:45pm. Meet us @ Victorious Life Church of God 860 East Clark Road Ypsilanti, MI 48197!
Transportation will not be provided, thank you for carpooling to cut back on costs! Do you need a ride? Contact one of the parents listed below who are driving carpools to this Youth Rally. Please note that these are not coordinated by St Thomas, and may be leaving from various locations at different times.
* Marie Williams mariewms@comcast.net - Huron School District
* Suzan Zick suzanzick@att.net - Skyline School District
* Cathy Dowling cathydowling@sbcglobal.net - Huron School District
Driving Directions:Take US-23 to Washtenaw Road, exit towards Ypsilanti.Turn left at Hogback/Carpenter Road. Turn right onto Clark Road, which becomes North Huron River Drive after 2 miles. Just after McDonald's, turn left at LeForge and continue for 1/2 mile. Turn right onto Clark Road.
This Thursday 1/14, 7-8pm: St George @ The Dead Theologians Society
Through the Saints of yesterday, the Dead Theologians Society, or DTS, inspires the youth of today to become the saints of tomorrow! Come on out and join us this Thursday.
6:30pm: social time in the Parish Offices
7-8pm: gather in the Church choir loft for prayer (the Elizabeth St door is always open)
8-8:30pm: return to Parish Offices for hot cocoa & snacks
Your Question of the Week: why is missing Mass once or twice a mortal sin?
First let’s call to mind the importance of the Mass. Each Sunday, we gather together as a Church with hearts filled with joy to worship Almighty God. We remember and profess our faith once again in the mystery of our salvation- that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, suffered, died, and rose for our salvation. At Mass, each faithful Catholic is fed with abundant graces:
We are nourished by the Word of God-- God's eternal truth that has been revealed to us and recorded through the Holy Spirit. If we are in a state of grace, we have the opportunity to receive our Lord in the Holy Eucharist. We firmly believe that our Lord is truly present in the Holy Eucharist, and that we receive His Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity in Holy Communion.
With these things in mind, no one should simply think of attending Mass as fulfilling an obligation. To attend Mass is a privilege, and any faithful Catholic should want to attend Mass. However, because the Mass offers such precious gifts, provides the nourishment of great graces, and unites us as a Church, we do indeed have a sacred obligation to attend Mass. Remember that the Third Commandment stated, "Keep Holy the Sabbath."
Given how precious the Mass is the Code of Canon Law (#1246) proscribes… "On Sundays and other holy days of obligation, the faithful are bound to participate in the Mass" (#1247).Therefore, the Catechism teaches, "Those who deliberately fail in this obligation commit grave sin" (#2181), and grave sin is one condition of a mortal sin. Note that missing mass when you are sick, or weather conditions are extremely unsafe is certainly not a sin- although you are strongly encouraged to spend time in prayer in some other way.
When a person negligently "bags Mass," to go shopping, catch-up on work, sleep a few extra hours, attend a social event, or not interrupt vacation, the person is allowing something to take the place of God. Something becomes more valuable than the Holy Eucharist. This is grave matter indeed! God must come first in our lives. On Sunday, our primary duty is to worship God at Mass as a Church and to be nourished with His grace.
Missing Mass on Sunday or another Holy Day of Obligation is certainly a sin. There are three conditions for a sin to be a mortal sin- it must be grave matter, committed with full knowledge that it is wrong, and committed with full consent. (Catechism #1857) Missing Mass is always grave matter. The other two conditions are not necessarily present in all Catholics when they miss Mass, although the act itself is always sinful. The moral of the story is, get to Mass on Sunday!! Ask around, others are always willing to give you a ride if you need.
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