text: As a priest in an independent catholic jurisdiction, Mitch, I find your classifying us by putting our "Catholicism" in quotes a bit condescending. A more respectful wording would be "alternative Catholic churches," or "independent Catholic churches." That said, as a pastor, I do find your faithfulness to attending Mass quite compelling.  While some absences are excusable, like health reasons,  mostly I hear that some real important relative has blown into town and that person deserves more attention that Jesus, that the parishioner has to go to some sports event, has to get on an airplane to go somewhere, or even worse, just felt like going to the beach. This mode of thinking is so foreign to me! Since I was a child, I have always moved heaven and earth to get myself to Mass. What kept me going was singing in choirs and serving at the altar. I can recall that, before I was old enough to drive, skipping family outings and taking the bus to church.  Jesus has always been #1 for me!