You might have have heard that the Bishops of Minnesota have reinstated the obligation for Sunday Mass and Holy Days of Obligation.  Why is this important and what does this mean?

Why is attending Mass in-person so important? 

Saint John Chrysostom reminds us, “You cannot pray at home as at church, where there is a great multitude, where exclamations are cried out to God as from one great heart, and where there is something more: the union of minds, the accord of souls, the bond of charity, the prayers of the priests” (CCC 2179). 

Attending the in-person celebration of Sunday Mass and receiving Jesus in the Eucharist are vital to our lives as Catholic Christians. We were created for Communion. Whether you are returning to your home parish, or seeking a local parish on vacation, your participation in the Mass unites you with the Church — the Body of Christ. This communion transforms us as persons and enables us to make manifest the Kingdom of God in our world. The celebration of the Eucharist truly is the source and summit of our faith. 

Pope Francis, in his homily on the Feast of Corpus Christi in 2018, said, “Jesus prepares a place for us here below, because the Eucharist is the beating heart of the Church. It gives her birth and rebirth; it gathers her together and gives her strength. But the Eucharist also prepares for us a place on high, in eternity, for it is the Bread of heaven. 

Please see the following attachments with more information and answers for to frequently asked questions:

Back to Mass - Statement from the Bishops of Minnesota
Welcome Back to Mass!  Letter from Archbishop Hebda