The day I achieved my Mass attendance goal (and kept going)

Two years ago, my husband told me about a friend of his who tries to get out on his boat 100 times a year.

I loved that concept and decided to pick my own goal—going to Mass 100 times. I had nothing to lose and everything to gain. I finished 2024 having attended 133 Masses.

So, in 2025, I set a goal of 150 Masses—and ended the year at 217.

For 2026, I wanted to stretch myself but keep the goal attainable. A friend suggested 226 for 2026. I love the number 26, so I jumped at the idea.

Truthfully, I wasn’t sure I could attend that many Masses in a year. But it’s amazing what you can do when you set a goal. And it’s incredible what you can do when the people around you are as invested in your goal as you are. I have friends and family—many of whom are not Catholic—who regularly ask me what number Mass I’m up to.

I have also become more intentional and creative with finding ways to fit Mass into my day. Early morning and evening Masses are key. And I’m fortunate to work for a Catholic institution, where a daily midday Mass is often an option.

When I look at my schedule each day, most of my day is already planned with other obligations. Many days, Mass is the one thing that I plan just for me. And of course, Mass isn’t just for me. It’s for God—and it’s for the people I’ve promised to pray for.

But it feels like it’s for me. Going to Mass feeds me spiritually in a way nothing else does. It centers me. It gives me a few minutes of peace. The Word makes me think. The homilies inspire me. The Eucharist unites me with Jesus. And the people I pray with—strangers, friends, and family—help remind me of this beautiful community that I am part of, in heaven and striving for heaven.

Before reaching my goal this week, I attended Mass in 16 different churches and chapels in three states. I went to Masses celebrated by our archbishop, two bishops, diocesan priests, Jesuits, Franciscans, and an Augustinian. I witnessed Baptisms and Confirmations and First Communions. I cried at funerals. I went to Masses that were celebrated by priests who were ordained just days earlier and others with priests who were ordained before I was born.

Throughout the year, I’ve marveled at how God has helped me fit Masses into my day. One day last spring I had to take someone to the hospital for a procedure. The Mass in the hospital chapel—which isn’t even offered every day—aligned perfectly with the time of the procedure. A few weeks ago was the anniversary of my Uncle Miles’ death. As I was making dinner that evening, I was feeling disappointed that none of the Mass times had worked for me that day. And then I suddenly remembered it was Wednesday! I could go to an 8 p.m. Wednesday evening Mass! And so I did.

As I skim through the list of Masses for the year, I know that some I don’t remember well. But others have stayed with me. My 50^th birthday fell on a Sunday this summer, and that happened to be my 150^th Mass of the year. It was the most beautiful Mass. I couldn’t have asked for a better way to mark my birthday. And even on an ordinary day, getting to Mass feels like an incredible blessing.

What a year it’s been—and with weeks left to go! I’ve reached my goal of attending 226 Masses for 2026, but of course I’ll keep going. Whose feast day is tomorrow? I can’t wait to find out.

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