[Desdemona]

Some Catholics are lacking in due reverence for the Holy Eucharist because their Eucharistic faith is poor and full of defects and doubts. Catechesis should not presume that everyone has one-hundred percent faith. Rather the Catholic faith on the Holy Eucharist should be systematically imparted. Homilies should be solidly based on Holy Scripture, liturgical texts and other authoritative Church documents. The homily needs special attention because for most Catholics it is the single most effective weekly moment in which they can be fed on the doctrine of the faith to help them know it, love it and live it with ever greater authenticity. Careful study of the Catechism of the Catholic Church and regular reading of reliable Catholic magazines will also help to build up the faith.

Thank you, Eminence!

[enuu]

Thank you for this meaningful article. As a "fallen away" Catholic who came back to the church, I was shocked to find people chattering and laughing in church as if the Blessed Sacrament were not even there. The efforts to make Mass "appealing" with loud music, applause and other inappropriate things detracts from the solemnity. If we are going to ignore the Eucharist and treat the Tabernacle and Church as if it were just an auditorium, well, why not just be Protestants? I also strongly object, but have not got up the courage to talk to my pastor, to the decision to keep the Church locked all the time so it's impossible to make a visit. Fear of vandalism is a valid concern, but to deprive the faithful of the presence of the Sacrament out of fear seems ridiculous. Thanks.