Whether you are exploring Catholicism for the first time or are a long-time Catholic, we hope that this eNewsletter will be a useful resource as you (re)discover the fundamentals of the Catholic faith. From September through May, we are following along with the topics discussed in our Becoming Catholic (RCIA) process. Our goal is to share practical, credible Catholic resources that are freely available to anyone. Enjoy!

The Mass is absolutely central to the life of a Catholic Christian - but it can also be very confusing to visitors! Even longtime Catholics can get tongue-tied or perhaps never really gave much thought to the "why" behind all of the things we say and do at Mass. This week, we focus on what's happening at Mass and why, and how we can participate in the Mass as fully as possible.

Let's start with a quick review. Maybe you're brand-new to attending Mass. Maybe you've been attending Mass for years but often find yourself zoning out or autopilot. Whether you're a cradle Catholic or attending Mass for the first time this week, take a moment to read through the Order of the Mass and practice the congregation's responses. Memorizing these will make your experience of the Mass much richer!

From Episode 3 of Symbolon: Living the Faith, "Walk through the Mass: Exploring the Sacred Liturgy":

Every Sunday, Catholics gather together to celebrate the Mass. But do we understand the deeper meaning of what happens there? Now we can.

Watch for free on Formed.org through our parish subscription. If this is your first time using Formed.org, click here to get started.

You’ve definitely either said — or met someone who’s said — “I go to Mass, but I just don’t get anything out of it.”

Fr. Mike gets you. He’s said it too. But what he’s learned and cannot stop telling everyone is that Mass is not about you or getting anything out of it. 

The heart of religion is worship, and the heart of worship is sacrifice. Mass is not about what you can get, but what you can give to God that is due to him as Lord of the Universe.

Saint Thomas Aquinas is one of the greatest thinkers in the history of the Catholic Church. Nicknamed the "dumb ox" at school because he was so shy and quiet, he is now honored as a Doctor of the Church and nicknamed the "Angelic Doctor." Although Thomas had an incredible intellect, he was also known for his deep prayer life and for the beautiful hymns that he composed in honor of Jesus Christ present in the Eucharist. You probably know some of these famous hymns, such as the Tantum Ergo, Adoro te Devote, and O Salutaris Hostia.

Looking for more opportunities to deepen your faith here at Saint Pius X? Visit our website to learn more!

• StPius.net/Faith Homepage for seasonal adult faith formation programs
• StPius.net/Bible Bible studies and Bible study resources, including our Living Water Bible Study blog
• StPius.net/Groups Grow in faith with a group! Check out That Man is You! and She Shall Be Called Woman
• StPius.net/Resources Parish lending library, subscriptions to Catholic periodicals, and instructions for accessing Formed.org