The Rev. Mark Tibai of St. Fabian Catholic Church in Farmington Hills challenged parishioners to consider Mass in a different way.

The dispensation of the obligation of attending Mass has been extended through Christ the King Sunday, Nov. 22.

But is attending Mass really an obligation, a burden? Tibai sees it as a great gift. Yet some are relieved they do not have to report to Mass and have an additional hour to add to their day.

There are ways to continue observing the Lord's Day and keep it holy through these unprecedented times when gatherings cannot take shape as they normally do, Tibai said in the church's Aug. 23 newsletter, adding that prayer is necessary.

"If you have a Sunday pass by and you have not prayed or made an effort to pray, then you have not given God his due," Tibai continued. "The Mass is by far our greatest prayer, but it is not our only prayer. Mass shouldn’t be the only prayer we make on a Sunday."

Sunday is a good day to pray the Rosary or Divine Mercy Chaplet. If you are married, take up these prayers with your spouse. If you have a family, pray together as a family. Everyone can and should pray.

If you did attend Mass or watch the livestream, it is good to spend some time in reflection. Think of whether something struck you during the sermon or whether the priest issued a challenge during his homily.

Nothing can replace Mass, but there are ways to outwardly show appreciation and thanks for the gifts God has given, even in this time.