Dear Parishioners of St. James:
Praised be Jesus Christ!
Continuing our catechesis on the Most Holy Eucharist, today I remind you of the grave obligation to participate in Holy Mass every Sunday and holy day of obligation, unless excused for a serious reason (for example, illness, care for the sick, serious weather event, etc.) or dispensed by your own pastor (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2181). Those who deliberately fail in this obligation commit a mortal sin. Those who die in the state of mortal sin will, by definition, go to eternal punishment.
It is spiritually frightening to consider the number of Catholics who do not go to Holy Mass on Sundays or holy days of obligation (only ignorance of the gravity of sin would remove one’s guilt). However, we cannot leave people in their ignorance so that we do not deprive them of merit. The Lord saves our souls through the Holy Mass. If we do not want to attend Holy Mass (for only one hour out of the week) then we do not want to be saved. Apathy is very hard to change but we cannot stop inviting people to the one place and event that can save their souls, the Holy Mass.
Please pray for the people of St. James that they may please the Lord by coming to Holy Mass. The graces of salvation will pour out in abundance upon our parish when God’s people come back to offer Him the worship that is His due.
God bless you,
Fr. Geary
Saint James Catholic Church 