Why do you go to Mass?
Three Experiences of the Lord’s Presence at Mass
Three Experiences of the Lord’s Presence at Mass
In April, the Diocese of San José launched “Renewed at the Table of the Lord,” a Liturgical Renewal initiative, as part of its Pastoral Plan. Liturgical renewal, as Bishop Cantú explained, is “An invitation to see again and rediscover the wonder that is already waiting for us every time we come to the Lord’s table for Mass.”
In April, the Diocese of San José launched “Renewed at the Table of the Lord,” a Liturgical Renewal initiative, as part of its Pastoral Plan. Liturgical renewal, as Bishop Cantú explained, is “An invitation to see again and rediscover the wonder that is already waiting for us every time we come to the Lord’s table for Mass.”
As a priest, at every Mass, I greet the people with “The Lord be with you.” This takes place four times: at the beginning of Mass, at the beginning of the Gospel proclamation, at the beginning of the Eucharistic Prayer, and at the final blessing when we depart. The Lord’s presence continues throughout the Mass and into our lives of faith during the week.
Curious about how the faithful may encounter the Lord’s presence during the sacred liturgy, I was inspired to ask a simple question: “Why do you go to Mass?” Each perspective shows how encountering the Lord in the liturgy gives meaning to the Mass and shapes our lives beyond it.
Mauricio Heredia
St. John Vianney Parish | Teenager and Catechist
“I go to Mass because it’s where I can truly slow down and focus on God without distractions.”
Mauricio’s life is busy, but Mass gives him a chance to step back and remember what actually matters. “I love to receive the Eucharist,” he says, “because that’s the moment that feels the most real. It’s an actual encounter with Jesus. There is something about that moment — the quiet, the focus, the feeling that He is really there — that makes everything else fade away.”
He also enjoys being around people who are there for the same reason: “When the people pray, sing, or participate fully, they remind me that Jesus is present in all of us.” Mauricio also notices Jesus in the readings and the Gospel, saying, “I relate His words to my life, and they guide me in ways that are actually meaningful.”
“One of my favorite memories,” he says, “happened during the Eucharist. I remember when I was completely present — no distractions, no thinking about school or friends, just focused on God and the people around me. Everything felt calm and connected. I just felt at peace. It wasn’t anything dramatic, but it was memorable because it made me appreciate the simplicity and depth of Mass.”
Adam Arant
Holy Family Parish | Husband and Father
As a young man, Adam Arant drifted away from Mass, although it gave him a foundation in the faith. “That changed when God called me back through a Cursillo weekend,” he says. “I started to attend Mass again and felt called to be in communion with Jesus.”
Through that same community, he met his wife, Johanna, and their shared faith made Mass central to their life together.
Today, Adam experiences Mass most deeply at two moments. “I feel closest to Jesus during Holy Communion,” he says. “But a very close second is when I look over at my children—seeing them pay attention to the Word of God and feel His love.”
One moment stays with him. During Mass, he noticed his young son in the pew, not doodling, but quietly writing prayers to God. “I knew then that God was calling him, too.”
For Adam, Mass is no longer just something he attends. It is where his family’s faith is formed and renewed. “Mass is the time when we step away from everything else,” he says, “and remember that He is God.”
Phuong Vu
St. Francis of Assisi Parish | Choir Member
Mass is where Phuong seeks “the source of life by praising God, listening to His Word, and especially receiving the Holy Eucharist.”
As a child in Vietnam, she sang in a Eucharistic choir and grew to love the rhythms of daily Mass. Years later in California, even while working as an engineer, she continues that practice—building her day around the Eucharist.
“The more often I attend Mass, the closer I feel to Jesus Christ,” she says. “At the Penitential Act, Jesus stands there to forgive my sins. When I sing the Psalm, I am praying with Christ to the Father. When I hear the Gospel, I often pray, ‘Lord, show me what You want to teach me today,’ and I feel the message is meant just for me.”
But it is at the Consecration that everything comes together. “This is the pinnacle of the Mass. I believe this is real—the moment when heaven and earth are united. My mother, who passed away eleven years ago, is present in Christ, and this is where I meet her. When we sing ‘Holy, Holy, Holy,’ I feel I am joining the angels in heaven. The Mass is my source of life.”
Three Friends.
One Common Faith.
Our three friends offer us three experiences of our common encounter with Jesus in Word, Sacrament, and the people we gather with. His presence is truly with us at Mass and when we live our faith throughout the week. The Lord be with you and with your spirit.
Phuong Vu works as a full-time engineer in the Bay Area and serves as a liturgical minister at St. Francis of Assisi parish. In her free time, she loves attending Mass and playing music.
Adam Arant is blessed with his wife Johanna and 3 children. He works as an attorney here in San José and worships at Holy Family Church as part of the music ministry team. His true joy comes from service to the Lord through ministries like Cursillo and Kairos.
Mauricio Heredia is a young adult who attends Mass at St John Vianney. He plays varsity basketball at Mt Pleasant High School, likes to workout at the gym, loves helping others and likes to be around people. He would like to become a firefighter after high school and attend SJSU.
Father Dave Mercer is a retired priest who has served in many parishes throughout the Diocese of San José as well as on the Mescalero Apache Reservation before he retired.
