Toward the end of mass today, the priest said “Merry Christmas” instead of “Happy Easter.” He later corrected himself and make a joke about the size the congregation being as large as the Christmas mass.

It was an interesting point.

Just as I wrote in an earlier post about “A&P Catholics,” there are also what I call “E&C Catholics.” Ashes, Palm, Easter, Christmas. The four big days that many who do not normally attend mass come to church and participate.

To those who only attend those few times a year, I would like to ask you a question. Why do you attend on those days? There must be something that draws you back. I ask you to think about what that is. Perhaps it is the memory of attending mass as a child with your family. Maybe you promised someone before they passed away you would continue to attend. Whatever the reason may be, I ask you to think about the ritual. The coming together as a community. The reading of scripture. Receiving Communion. Sharing the sign of peace with those around you. Ask yourself how you felt during mass. Maybe you are looking for something more.

Faith has always been a large part of the Italian American community. Maybe it is your mother or your grandmother you hear in the back of your mind urging you to go to mass today. Our culture has always come down to three things; faith, family, and food.

I hope next Sunday when the church isn’t as crowded, you consider attending mass again. You feed your body. Think about feeding your soul.

I hope you had a lovely Easter.