Bishop Tobin on Reverence at Mass

"After attending Sunday Mass in Florida not too long ago I came across the following admonition in the Sunday bulletin: 'Please come to Mass early enough not to disrupt. Leave late enough not to insult. (The Mass does not end until the final blessing). Worship reverently enough not to distract. And dress proudly enough not to offend.'

"'Now that little blurb contains some very useful reminders,' I said to myself. It addresses a recurring problem in some our churches these days – an habitual lack of reverence for the sacred mysteries taking place in our midst, especially when the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is being offered."

In a recent commentary, Bishop Thomas J. Tobin, of the Diocese of Providence (RI), reflected on the need for a spirit of reverence when participating in Holy Mass..

To access Bishop Tobin's complete essay, please visit:

Without A Doubt: The Holy Mass – "Let the Whole World Tremble" (11 JUN 15)