Do you attend mass?

A significant number of individuals in Ireland, particularly those raised Catholic, have distanced themselves from attending Mass, often for reasons ranging from personal habit to deeper protest. Seamus O'Reilly, a writer for the Irish Times, reflects on his own upbringing in a devout Catholic family, where he attended Mass regularly, often exceeding 70 times a year. He notes that while some family members were deeply involved in church activities, his own departure from the church was not rooted in anger but rather a gradual shift in priorities and beliefs.

O'Reilly contrasts his experiences with those of Catholics in the Republic of Ireland, suggesting that his upbringing in Derry included a greater focus on social issues during sermons, such as kindness and anti-racism, rather than strict dogma. He describes a recent return to Mass after many years, finding the experience both nostalgic and different, marked by a noticeable decline in attendance and a shift in the community's dynamics. O'Reilly emphasizes the importance of community that churches once provided, suggesting that while religious attendance may have decreased, the need for social connection remains vital.

Séamas O'Reilly, Author and Journalist joined Seán Moncrieff on the show to discuss not attending mass.