As I grew older, I began to notice a pattern at my local church: Mass attendance during summertime significantly decreased, with baptisms as the exception. It was obvious which extended family members rarely went to church; sections of the baptismal party would sit down during the Liturgy of the Eucharist, unaware that it was time to kneel and pray.

I understand that many families travel during the summertime and that increased family outings can play a role in decreased attendance. However, I think of Mass as not only for my personal benefit but also an experience I can share with my family. To me, Mass has helped build and strengthen my relationship with my parents, siblings and my extended family. Summertime provides me an opportunity to spend the time with my family that I might not get to spend during the school year when everyone has their own schedules and obligations. So an overall lower Mass attendance during the summer months at my local parish simply puzzles me.

Last week, my uncle passed away suddenly. His death completely shocked and devastated my entire family. He had just recently arrived back in the Philippines with my aunt from a long visit to us here in Toronto. He was full of happiness, fulfilment and peace from seeing his newest grandson’s summer baptism, as well as spending quality time with his children, grandchildren, siblings and extended family that now reside in Canada. I will always be thankful that God gave me an opportunity to spend some quality time with my uncle before his passing.

Many of my family members were unable to go to the Philippines for my uncle’s funeral. The reality of being too far away to say our final goodbyes is still very painful for our family. To help deal with our grief, we went to church to light a few candles for my uncle and pray for his soul. A few days later, we went to Sunday Mass together and found solace during a difficult time. Listening to the priest’s homily this week about faith and the afterlife really resonated with me and helped me begin to deal with my uncle’s passing in a better light.

I realize now that Mass is not something that is used only when extreme situations happen. It helps us attest our faith in God week after week whether we are in a great place in life or dealing with a difficult situation. Through simply attending and listening, Mass helped me find God’s light during a devastating time and I know it will help my family and I move forward peacefully. It is about celebrating and strengthening your personal relationship with God every Sunday, in all seasons.

(Jereza is second-year journalism student at Ryerson University in Toronto.)