Blessed Sacrament Parish in Stowe hosted an April 24 Divine Mercy Sunday and Servant of God Joseph Dutton birthday celebration. Vermont Catholic Managing Editor Cori Fugere Urban asked several of those in attendance what is, for them, the most meaningful part of attending Mass. Their answers follow.

“The most meaningful part of attending Mass is the Holy Eucharist. Without it, there would be no hope, no faith, no Church.”

—Beverly Bishop

Blessed Sacrament Church, Stowe

“Receiving the actual Body and Blood of Christ is what gives us strength, along with the Word of God.”

—Mary Irving

Blessed Sacrament Church, Stowe

“The Eucharist is the most meaningful part of attending Mass because it is the Body of Jesus. Receiving it makes me feel wonderful that He is right here with me. … And the people here are so friendly.”

—Elizabeth Reynolds

St. Peter Church, Torrington, Connecticut

“The most meaningful part of attending Mass is witnessing the real presence of Jesus Christ in every Catholic Mass.”

—Joanna Bisceglio

Blessed Sacrament Church, Stowe

“It’s meaningful to be able to spend quiet time with the Lord preparing for His gift of the Eucharist. I like to participate” in the Mass.

—Dennis Smith

Most Holy Name of Jesus Parish, Morrisville

“It’s a beautiful thing to be able to share that time with fellow parishioners and be close to Jesus.”

—Mike Noonan, grand knight of Knights of Columbus Council #5041 in Morrisville

Most Holy Name of Jesus Parish, Morrisville

“The Mass is the highest form of prayer. It is the sacrifice of Christ wherein He strengthens us and energizes us. … When I receive Him, He lives in me and I have everything. When I receive Him, I lack nothing.”

—Father Sahaya Paul, parochial vicar

Blessed Sacrament Parish, Stowe

Most Holy Name of Jesus Parish, Morrisville

“The main reason I go to Mass is to follow the Sacrament of the Eucharist. I like to be an altar boy and help the priest while the Mass is going on.”

—Jonathan Godin, age 10

Blessed Sacrament Church, Stowe

—Originally published in the Summer 2022 issue of Vermont Catholic magazine.