Why go to Mass if one can pray and read the Bible at home?

Mass is the Celebration of the Eucharist which means gratitude in “the Breaking of the Bread.” Our Mass is the preparation to receive Christ in Communion which means "common union." Let's look at some of the rites (or "liturgies") that make up every Mass.

First, after an Introduction, we pray together for forgiveness by God and for one another. Secondly, we listen together to the readings and hear the Word of God explained to us by the Priest or the Deacon. The Prayer of the Faithful follows this as a important reminder that we do not pray alone but with the Church throughout the world. The way we receive the Eucharist in unity with all in our community is a sign of our faith that all are one, and Christ lives in each. We are the face of Christ to one another and to the world.

Some denominations place more emphasis on the bible and preaching. For many years we were not a very biblical Church. Since Vatican II we are encouraged to incorporate reading and studying the bible as part of our prayer life, and also as part of our understanding of the foundation of our faith. I would suggest to you that looking at Sunday's readings before Mass gives you a greater openness to understanding the Word of God as it is proclaimed.

The following site hosts daily and Sunday readings as well as suggested meditations of those readings: http://www.usccb.org/nab/