Over the past several decades, Catholics have shown a 33-45% drop in attendance, which is one of the greatest of all religions. There are many reasons why people have stopped going to mass. Some question if going to church is still important and why they should continue to attend. The church isn’t just about the Vatican, rules, or regulations; it is a place from which people can draw individual strength. These are just a few of the many reasons why you should consider maintaining your relationship with the church community and God.
Spiritual Growth
Church is not only a place where people sit and listen to the sermon. It is an institution that guides you to deepen your relationship with God and grow spiritually. Through the teachings of God and scripture, there is always improvement to walk closer to God’s plan.
Community
Church isn’t just about prayer and mass; it is a place where many people find community. Going to mass allows you to find like-minded individuals and feel a sense of support and belonging that is difficult to find in today’s modern world.
Fellowship
The church is an excellent place to find fellowship with others and have social interactions where you can form friendships and support from the congregation. In a sense, people who attend mass are similar in their wants from the people who surround them.
Support and Guidance
Not everyone has the support and guidance of their family or elders. Religious figures like Pastors, leaders, and fellow members are a great resource when you need guidance. They also help at times when you are looking for encouragement, counsel, and practical advice.
Ritual and Tradition
If you are someone who grew up in the church, it likely has a deep sense of tradition and ritualistic familiarity that just makes you feel better. For some, it holds cultural significance, and for others, there is a feeling of spiritual fulfillment. Mass provides many with a connection to their past and a pathway for the future.
Sense of Purpose
A life without meaning is very empty. When you don’t believe in a higher being or purpose, it can be easy to lose your way and feel helpless and lost. Going to mass can help to remind you what it is all about and where your place is in the scheme of the larger community.
Moral Guidance
With the fast-paced way of society, the unreality of social media, and the impersonal nature that people conduct themselves, it is easy to forget the roots that you have and why morality is important. Going to mass helps people to find guidance of moral and ethical clarity, which can be difficult when you lose your moral compass.
Generational Ties
People who attend church do so of all ages, and it is an excellent way to connect with individuals who are in different stages of their lives. Going to mass and talking with other people who have the same background and heritage helps build a sense of belonging and continuity.
Opportunities for Service
Along with a sense of higher purpose, church provides people with opportunities for community service and projects to make a positive impact in the world around them. It also is an excellent place to align with charities and find your place to aid your community. Helping others makes you feel better about who you are.
Inspiration
It is easy to get down and feel uninspired about doing things for others or being the best version of yourself. The sermons at church are meant to inspire and encourage people to remember who they want to be and to give them motivation to push harder and be the greatest person possible.
Celebration of Tradition
The church historically has been a place where families and communities celebrate occasions and milestones. Whether it is celebrating two people coming together for marriage, a baptism, or a funeral, mass is a place where people come together as a community to celebrate the most affirming parts of life.
Education and Learning
Church often has lessons and classes that you can take to further your studies. They are meant to make you think more about what is important in life and also teach you the historical significance of the church. Many churches offer seminars on various topics and give opportunities to discuss things that interest you.
Healing
When you are going through a rough loss or time in your life, sitting still at church gives you time to reflect and be quiet. With all of the noises of life, sometimes healing is found in finding peace and doing nothing at all but setting aside time to find healing and wholeness.
Cultural Identity
America is a melting pot and that is one of the most amazing characteristics that it has over other countries, but some people would like to cling to their culture and heritage. Often, churches are a place to find your cultural identity and acceptance in a sea of cultural abyss.
Spiritual Discipline
When you go to church, you have to necessarily pay attention and take the time to look for spiritual growth and downtime. Whether it is prayer, meditation, or just sitting with yourself, church provides you with a time that you can think about what is important and your values.
Mission and Outreach
Church provides many with the opportunity to mentor and help individuals in the community looking for guidance and help. Whether that means giving someone the company they need in a time of loneliness or aiding a child with a role model to help their spiritual growth, good deeds are what make communities strong and healthy.
Seeking the Truth
With so many mixed messages in today’s society, it is easy to question what is right and what is wrong. It is also easy to lose your way about the true purpose of life and why we are here. Church can’t give you all of the answers you seek, but it can help you to hear other people’s perspectives and find what you are looking for.
Salvation and Hope
Hope and salvation are not so easy to find. Church is a conduit where anyone who is seeking forgiveness can find it. We all have times when we lose our way, but that doesn’t mean that the path is no longer there. Church can help you remember where you were and get you on the road to where you want to be.
Why Go to Church?
As science answers many of the questions religion used to, the Catholic church’s reputation isn’t in great standing, and our lives become busy; many ask themselves, why should I go to church? The answer is that church is something that you get out of what you put into it. It isn’t so much about the institution as it is about the community and salvation that it provides to those who need it most.
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