Do I Have to Go? 101 Questions About the Mass, the Eucharist, and Your Spiritual Life

by Matthew J. Pinto

From playing video games to sleeping in, teens can think of countless things they would rather do than go to Mass on Sunday morning. That is, unless they knew what they were missing. Do I Have to Go? explains the meaning and the mystery of Mass in such a way that teens will be asking, Why wouldn't I go? With wit, clarity, and common sense, Matthew Pinto and Chris Stefanick answer the tough questions teens have about the Mass, from the rituals contained in the Liturgy, to the doctrines of the Eucharist and the priesthood. When teens understand that the Mass is literally the meeting place between heaven and earth, they will have a newfound sense of awe and a deeper understanding of their role as a Catholic in a post-modern world.

Genres: Catholic, Nonfiction, Christian

168 pages, Paperback

First published January 31, 2008

Reviews

[Clare · Rating 4 out of 5]

A clear, well sign-posted book which answers every question we could possibly have about the Mass: why we need to go, what happens there, and why things happen in a certain way. Though it may be too much for a teen who no longer goes to Mass, it would help those who still go, though perhaps reluctantly, to see the much deeper meaning of the Sunday obligation.

Reviewed for www.GoodReadingGuide.com

[Joseph · Rating 2 out of 5]

probably helpful for someone but not for me

[Robert Federline · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is set up in a question and answer format to discuss in simple, straightforward style the reasons why Catholics believe it is important to attend Mass every Sunday. The answers are all short and easily understood explanations of Church Doctrine. In eminently readable language many basic issues are covered in a convincing manner, from the meanings behind the Third Commandment (to keep holy the Sabbath) to the True Presence, of Jesus in the Holy Eucharist.

The only difficulty with the book is how to get a teenager to read it when the balk at attending the Sacrifice of the Mass. If they are the type who would actually read this book, the book itself would likely be unnecessary for them. With that said, however, it does provide excellent information for those who are attempting to respond to the rebellious teen who is questioning the necessity of getting up on a Sunday morning to attend Mass. It is also an excellent reference for converts to the faith who are attempting to understand and grow in their knowledge of how we worship and why we worship as we do.

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

Question and answer format. Answers a lot of basics for mass. Yes, I did learn some stuff too.