One of the challenges the church faces in this century is that of appealing to Gen Y, Gen X, and Millennials. Another challenge is that people simply are not congregating at church anymore. A recent study showed that the top three reasons these people don’t go to Church:

• I feel judged
• Don’t want to be lectured
• Your God is irrelevant in my life
• It’s boring

It seems to me that people are struggling to identify with the older generation’s church philosophy and rules. One way this can be fixed is by “experiencing the Mass” instead of “going to church.” My cousin is a Deacon, he taught me about this interesting philosophy.

The idea is that “going to church” is associated (not always but sometimes) with checking off a box, doing your duty as a “Good Christian” for the week. Merely “going to church” can be associated with going through the motions.

But Mass can be much more than an “obligation.” To me, it’s an invitation to be with our God, to be with Jesus Christ. And also to connect with others who wish to do the same. It’s also a spiritual opportunity, a time where we cannot be reached on the ever pervasive cell phones and computers, a time for stillness of the mind.

I understand that in many ways, the Church is archaic. The mundanity of going to church on a weekly basis can sap you of your spirituality…. The routine, the rules, the old English.

If you look closely, if you really observe, you will see that there are people reciting prayers with their mind far removed from the moment. They’re saying the prayer but they’re thinking of something else (i.e. What will I do after Church, I’m hungry, will this last 45 minutes or an hour, etc.)

I remember that this is what church used to be like for me until I started experiencing the Mass.

Experiencing the Mass is striving to bring spirituality into Mass. Striving to be present for each moment of the Mass. Saying each prayer intentionally, understanding the meaning of each prayer, making the Mass a meditation.

Some of my recommendations might seem odd at first, but give them a try and see if it works for you. Remember, an open mind is a beautiful mind 🙂

Here are 10 Ways to Experience the Mass:

1. Sit in Front

Growing up, I remember sitting in the last couple rows of the church. I felt so distant from the alter, from the priest, from the readings. Now I sit in the first couple rows. This simple change has been transformative. I am able to look the priest in the eyes and feel the message he is delivering. I am closer to the tabernacle as well. I’m also close to the area where everyone receives communion.

2. Practice Asana (yoga postures) immediately before attending Mass

Many believe that the ultimate goal of asana (the physical postures of yoga) is to prepare the mind for meditation, to prepare the mind for unity with the body and with God or the Universe. What better way to get closer to God than by preparing your body and mind beforehand?

3. Visualize

The process of turning the bread and wine into Jesus’ body and blood can be a boring ceremony that you’ve witnessed a thousand times or it can be a transformative spiritual experience, you decide.

Instead of letting your mind wander, focus intently on the ceremony and visualize what it must have been like that night behind closed doors at The Last Supper. Close your eyes and imagine sitting there with Jesus and his Disciples. You can experience the Last Supper every week if you so choose.

4. Take Notes in a Mass Journal

Remember that time the priest said something that truly resonated with you? Remember the Gospel reading you read that provided true comfort or inspiration? Do you remember it? If not, start bringing a notebook to Mass and taking notes on lessons you learn. Reread your Mass journal every month or whenever you need inspiration.

5. Do Not Kneel When Everyone Else Does

Kneeling causes our shoulders to slouch. It can be painful but more importantly, it blocks your heart. Stay seated with your spine straight and connect to God.

6. If You Don’t Understand or You Disagree with Something, You Don’t Have to Comply

There’s a line in the Catholic Communion ceremony that I disagree with. The congregation says, “Lord, I am not worthy to receive you but only say the word and I shall be healed.” Instead, I say “Lord, we are all worthy to receive you since you are within us.” Just a difference in philosophy. I interpret Jesus’ teachings differently from whichever Pope came up with this line. You don’t have to agree with everything that’s said in Mass in order to create an enriching experience.

Instead of blindly reciting a prayer, stop and say, “What does this actually mean?” If/when you come to fully understand the prayer, it will be 100x more meaningful when you recite it.

7. Bring a Friend

Remember that all are welcome at the Church. What better way to experience a Mass than by sharing this special privilege with a friend?

8. When Your Mind Wanders, Guide it Back to the Moment Gently

This is a yogic principle that can be applied to everyday life. Just because 99% of people are constantly thinking of the past or future, doesn’t mean you have to. If your mind wanders, don’t criticize yourself, don’t get upset. Instead, gently guide your mind back to the moment.

9. Welcome Everyone

The Church welcomes people of all religious denominations, all races, ethnicities, of all sorts of backgrounds. But it’s not always easy for newcomers or “outsiders” to feel welcomed. Extend a warm welcoming smile during Mass and/or approach people after Mass to welcome them 🙂 The Church isn’t about the clergy, the rules,   It’s our Church, if we want it to change for the better, if we want it to survive, we must strive to make

10. Get Creative and Do Your Own Thing

Remember the archaic (now defunct thankfully) rules the Church used to have? How do you think they were abolished? By the people using common sense and thinking of better ideas. Do whatever you can to connect to God and to the people in Mass. After all, that’s the reason we’re there 🙂

Arrive Early