"Some people want to have the Eucharist without conversion; yet that is not the way of the Lord," he continued. The bishop noted that some people receive Communion in a state of grave sin.
"They may miss mass on Sunday, they may be taking money illegitimately, they may be engaging in sexual relations outside of marriage, they may vocally support abortion, euthanasia, homosexual activity and homosexual unions, they may fail in the just treatment of their neighbor by gossip or prejudice, or they may commit some other serious sin and go to Communion," he said.
Others perceive that they "do not get anything out of mass" and simply view it as one more event in a busy weekend, sometimes leaving it as the last thing to fit into a full schedule of activities. Others complain that mass is too long or simply do not come.
"This is a tragedy," he said, "because the Eucharist is about Jesus Christ and his saving works on our behalf."
The archbishop addressed apathy about mass attendance, a lack of knowledge about the Eucharist, and visible signs of irreverence for the Eucharist. He also expressed dismay over the use of cell phones by the laity and ordained ministers alike during mass. Inappropriate dress, gum chewing, cell phones and pagers do not express reverence for the Eucharist, the bishop said. People must dress modestly for church, he said, adding that shorts for adults and mini-skirts for women are not appropriate.
"Each of us must examine how lackadaisical we have become with the celebration of the Eucharist," he said. "While we may have no ill intention in our hearts, we need to look at how we dress for the banquet."