Irish Catholic Bishops call people to think again about Sunday Mass

31 August 2025

Gathering as a community on the Lord’s Day to celebrate the Eucharist has always been at the heart of our Church

However, changes in society - some brought by the Covid19 pandemic - have seen some people’s connect with Sunday Mass weakened.

Ireland's Catholic Bishops have launched material in print and online with which they invite people to reflect on the profound importance of Sunday Mass

Welcoming Why Sunday Matters in a video message, Bishop Denis Nulty of Kildate and Leighlin, said, “As we journey through this Jubilee Year of Hope, the Irish Bishops’ Conference invites everyone to. We recognise it not only as an obligation, but also as a precious gift – the source and summit of our faith.”

He continued, “There is no doubt that the COVID pandemic disrupted the long-standing practice of attending Sunday Mass. People were confined to their homes and learned to participate online. New habits took shape, and not everyone has since returned.”

“Of course, declining attendance at Mass is not new, and it calls for a much broader conversation. The reality is that some no longer feel connected to the Church or to the Sunday assembly. Others are uncertain in their faith and feel unsupported in their searching. Some feel unwelcome, while many have been deeply discouraged or outraged by the abuse scandals.”

The pastoral message is designed to spark conversation in every parish about how we can become more welcoming and enrich the celebration of Mass - for ourselves and for others.”

Bishop Nulty concluded, “I am grateful to all who helped produce this material, and I encourage everyone to share the message Why Sunday Matters. To those who are not currently attending, our heartfelt appeal is that you consider returning to Mass in person, where possible. We miss you, and we look forward to welcoming you back around the table of the Lord, here on holy ground.”