A Truly Heartfelt Worship

01-25-2026Pastor's CornerFr. Bob Deehan

Early in this new year and with Lent around the corner, I invite you to make a resolution – to become more conscious of what you are supposed to do at Mass. The message introducing each weekend Mass invites us to, “recommit ourselves to participate fully in the congregation’s parts of the Mass, and so bring honor and glory to God by worshiping in Spirit and in truth.” This refers to what Jesus told the Samaritan woman at the well in John 4:24, "God is Spirit, and his worshipers must worship in Spirit and in truth."

How would you feel if only a few people bothered to sing the song, Happy Birthday to You at your birthday party? Besides being disappointed, you’d wonder whether they really wanted to be there. The guests who did sing along would feel awkward and alone as the celebratory spirit of that song lost its fervor. I’ve noticed that the same thing happens at Mass here at Holy Family. I can only imagine that those who make an effort to respond/sing at Mass feel disheartened when they find people around them seemingly disengaged. Our guest of honor is God, Himself. I wonder how He feels when this happens? This communal prayer is meant to involve everyone’s mind, body, heart, soul, and voice.

I realize that many of us are used to being passively entertained without need for active engagement. We sit and listen and watch. But, Mass is different. This is a time for us, as individuals and as a community, to actively participate in the spoken and sung responses of the Mass. If you are doing that already, I am very grateful. You are providing good example. Being actively engaged in the prayer of the Mass is the goal. Merely showing up is not real worship. The old adage applies here: the more you put into something, the more you get out of it. At the same time, you’ll be an inspiration to others and a source of blessing for them. Our children will learn what is expected. Returning church-goers and newcomers will be encouraged to join us again every Sunday. Wholehearted, spirited singing and robust responses will truly honor our God, as it should. If there is going to be any spiritual renewal in our parish’s worship, it will require the committed and fervent participation on the part of every member of our congregation.

Will you take me up on this challenge? What a difference it will make when each of us full-throatedly participate at Mass in a way that conveys we are truly heartfelt and authentic in our worship!

God bless you!