The Mass is powerful
The Mass is the most powerful prayer that exists. The Son of God physically enters the world at each and every Catholic Mass.
But if the Mass is so powerful, why don’t we experience it as powerful? Why do we—and the world—seem unchanged?
The answer is simple: we don’t grasp what’s happening because we don’t know enough about it. We don’t change because we’re unaware of the opportunity for profound graces. Many of us see the Mass as routine and ordinary. But if we understood it better, we’d know without doubt that the Mass is the most important thing in our lives.
It’s time to go deeper.
A true understanding of the Mass leads to a deeper experience, more graces, interior transformation, and personal spiritual renewal.
“If we really understood the Mass,” said St. John Vianney, “we would die of joy.”
The Mass is not a purposeless ritual. It has developed over thousands of years, starting before the birth of Christ. It’s a tapestry of Scripture and Tradition containing the entire mystery of our salvation. That’s no small thing, which is why so many of us Catholics struggle. It can be hard to see all the beauty before us; to soak in all the signs of God’s love; to respond to His many invitations throughout each and every celebration of the Sacred Liturgy.
If we want to feel more alive during the Mass, then we need to understand what is really going on. If we want to see God in these mysteries, we need to know where to look.
If we want to worship God like we ought to—if we want to experience His Love like He wants us to—then we need to focus on what He has given us: the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.
Let’s unlock it together.
Our series is here to take you deeper. We’ll go on a 30-day journey into the hidden depths of the Mass and help you navigate the deep symbolism of its rituals. We’ll explore its biblical foundations, from Genesis to Revelation. We’ll tell you about the true purpose of the Mass and guide you to a deeper appreciation of Our Lord’s actions within it.
Join us, and discover why Padre Pio said: “It would be easier for the world to survive without the sun than to do without Holy Mass.”
How Does it Work?
For each of the 30 days of this series you will receive an email linking you to new daily content posted right here at GoodCatholic.com. You’ll also have access to all 30 sessions immediately, if you’d like to go at your own pace. You can repeat the series as often as you wish for one full year. Don’t wait! Subscribe today.
Series Contributors
Father Brad Doyle
Fr. Brad Doyle is a priest for the Diocese of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He began his discernment as a teenager after a life-changing experience with Jesus in the Eucharist. He went on to study as a seminarian at St. Joseph Seminary College and Notre Dame Seminary in the Archdiocese of New Orleans and was ordained to the priesthood in 2015. Fr. Brad currently serves as parochial vicar at St. Margaret of Scotland Church in Albany, Louisiana, and is the chaplain at St. Thomas Aquinas High School. His passion for authentic witness and evangelization has led to numerous media projects, including Coffee Talk with Fr. Brad and his faith-based trivia podcast The Quizzical Papist. He often describes himself as “an evangelist for Jesus, His Church, and Louisiana culture.”
Peter Gohn
Peter Gohn, a proud Irish Catholic and Massachusetts native, studied History and Theology at The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. He then spent several years teaching at Christ the King Catholic High School near Charlotte, North Carolina, while also working as a freelance editor. He joined The Catholic Company in 2017 and became a key member of the Good Catholic project soon after it was launched. When not writing, Peter is likely to be found re-reading his many books, playing his piano, or watching Boston sports. His deep love of ancient and medieval history lends itself to unpacking the many rich traditions of our Catholic faith. He and his wife currently reside in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Whitney Hetzel
Whitney Hetzel and her husband, James, have been married for thirty-three years. They have nine children ranging in age from twelve to thirty-two. Whitney, who has been homeschooling for twenty-seven years, is an exercise enthusiast who enjoys blogging about health and fitness over at 9 Kid Fitness. But her real passion is discussing faith, family, and the challenges of putting one foot in front of the other on a daily basis, all of which she writes about at Catholic Company Magazine and the Good Catholic blog. Whitney has a B.A. in English and Journalism from Indiana University and an M.A. in Counseling Psychology from Saint Louis University.
44 Reviews
I am coming to understand a lot more about the Mass in this series!
I have loved this series, and want to go over it again. Praise God. There is so much that we need to be thankful for. So much to be awakened to. Life is short. Time is precious. God is good! Amen!
Just loved this series. Sad to see it end.
This was a wonderful series. Fr. Doyle was an excellent presenter. He was clear, concise, and kept my attention. I find myself concentrating more at Mass, and when the distractions come I pull myself back sooner to the Mass. Even though I love going to Mass, now it has even more meaning to me. Great job, Good Catholic!
Praying the Mass means so much to me and these sessions served to enrich the entire Mass environment.
So sad that the 30 days are done.. The Holy Mass has been one of the best studies ever.. thank you Good Catholic!! Can’t wait to see what’s next
This has been phenomenal. I went to catholic school and Mass during my childhood . I finally know the meaning of the Holy Mass and will be returning to give thanksgiving. God is good
This was an amazing series. It sure did enlighten me in many ways.
Wow! Wow! Wow! Fr. Doyles final video sums everything up amazingly with not only the significance of the wedding feast, but the significance of the WELL. It was like pulling the pages of the New Testament into 3-D.
I have not had the good fortune to experience a reflection and connection like this particular one ever in my 64 years, and I have read several books as well as the conciliar documents on the mass. Maybe God just thought it was time for my remedial trainingI cant know for sure. What I do know is that I will share this with my catechumen! What a wonderful series!
Father Doyle thank you for this series. This is going to be a real awaking to all of us about the mass. We all have so much to learn about our faith.
Day 1 was so GREAT!~ I can’t wait to see what wonderful things we learn in the next 29
I’m finding this so amazing and inspiring.