The celebration of the Mass is THE essential component of the Catholic faith.
I was at the annual Mass yesterday for my musical Society, where a priest (and friend of mine) who celebrated spoke about the events that had happened since the last annual Mass. He said the most significant event was probably the passing of Pope John Paul II.
He said...'Many people have spoken of Pope John Paul II, and many column inches have speculated on his greatest achievement, his most important moment. His most important moment and greatest achievement was he celebrated Mass'.
I thought that was a very saliant point.