Sir, - Readings from the Old and New Testaments have no effect on Mass attendance.
What does have an effect is the quality of the sermon. Explaining to grown adults the meaning of the gospel piece that has just been read - a piece they are familiar with since childhood - is condescending, patronising and - key word - boring.
The sermon should inspire, not send you to sleep. It should have meaning for the congregation in their lives. It should give them something to ponder during the week.
Most of all it should be so interesting that they will tell their friends, who will come along next week. - Yours, etc.,
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Quentin Reynolds, Deverell Place, Dublin 1.