Memories around Attending Mass

04-14-2024Pastor's CornerFr. Bob Deehan

Here’s a wonderful Eucharistic Story that might bring back memories for you as Ellen Hansbury shares her experiences attending weekly Mass as a young person, then as a mom and now that her children are grown.

“When I was a little girl, I loved going to 8:00am Mass with my dad. We would go to St. Peter’s in Lowell. The Mass was usually in the basement, not the fancy upstairs, so I got to wear my play clothes! We would listen to the word of God, sing the hymns loudly, hold hands, and then head home for a wonderful breakfast.

When my dad had to work on Sunday (he was a firefighter), I’d go to Mass with my mom and siblings. We would head to St. Margaret’s Church for the high noon Mass. We’d wear our Sunday best, parade down to the front row (where I didn’t necessarily listen to the word of God because I was distracted by my siblings.) I don’t remember singing much because I was embarrassed in front of them. Needless to say, going to Mass was a very important part of my youth. However, like a lot of people my age, there was a time when I did not go… I was too busy. Thankfully, that changed when I became a parent. I resumed going to Church with my children and found again the joy of attending Mass. We would listen to the word of God and sing loudly. My children even say I have a church voice! I loved the routine of seeing our friends, and I always enjoyed making a nice breakfast after Mass, just like my dad. My children are grown now, but I continue to attend Mass with the same joy I found when I was a small child with my dad and when I took my children to Mass. I like to attend the 8 am Mass. I get there early so I can read the word of God so that when it is spoken I can listen. I love to sing the hymns, see the familiar faces of the parishioners, and receive the gift of Communion, which gives me strength. Mass gives me purpose for the week. I try to carry what I have hear with me so I can share that message with whomever I come across during the week. I find peace, comfort, and joy in the simple act of attending weekly Mass. It’s a gift!”
—Ellen Hansbury

What are some of your memories around attending Mass? What is it about attending weekly Mass that is so special to you – now?