The Power of Gathering: How Coming Together at Mass Renews Our Faith

In the spirit of Henri Nouwen, a warm and heartfelt reflection on the beauty and life-giving power of coming together for Mass.

For one reason or another, many people have chosen not to attend church in person--whether because of restrictions, a sense of isolation, or the ease of livestream and other digital formats. In this timely book, rooted in Scripture, church teaching, and his own lived experiences, Irish priest Fr. Paul Farren makes a compelling case for the beauty, power, and spiritual necessity of coming together in person to share in the Eucharist.

With humility and simplicity, Fr. Farren draws on imagery from the story of the Prodigal Son to convey God's heart. "Every time we come to Mass there is an explosion of love by God for each one of us," he writes. "Coming to Mass is our response to God's waiting and desiring--perhaps even God's need. It is more important than anything else because it brings joy to God's heart."

Each chapter is infused with powerful insights:

• The vulnerability of God; His deep and loving emotions toward us
• How God doesn't avoid anybody
• Why God delights in our presence--even in our brokenness
• What it means to be "really present" at Mass

Whether you are just returning to church or have been faithfully attending for years, you will find profound wisdom and inspiration in these pages. God loves us, he wants to be with us, and there is supernatural strength and nourishment to be found in being together, in one body, for Mass.

Father Paul Farren, a native of Ireland, was ordained a priest in 1997 for the Diocese of Derry. He studied in St. Patrick's College, Maynooth, and The Catholic University of America in Washington DC. He is currently Administrator of St. Eugene's Cathedral, Derry, and Director of the Derry Diocesan Catechetical Centre.