But weekday Mass was not part of life in the early Church. Back then, Mass was only celebrated on Sunday and a priest only celebrated one Mass on that day.
Through the years, Church practice gradually expanded to include celebrating Masses on special feasts, in thanksgiving for favors from God, or to petition God for a favor. Eventually, Mass was being celebrated every day of the week.
The Second Vatican Council stressed the value of weekday Mass by introducing specific scriptural readings and prayers for the Masses celebrated during the week.
Studies today show that less than four percent of Catholics attend Mass more than once a week.
- Little Blue Book, December 22