§ II. On Attention of Mind

Attention at Mass is distinguished as twofold, namely internal and external. The first is had when someone applies his mind to those things which are being performed by the priest, and this again is distinguished in three ways according as the mind is applied either to the material words themselves and actions of the priest, or to the sense of the words and mysteries, or finally to God himself through pious prayers and meditations. - But external attention consists in avoiding any external action which impedes application of the mind, for example, conversing, painting, etc.

I Say. Any internal attention from the three ways just set forth suffices for rightly hearing Mass, but external attention alone, joined with the will of hearing Mass, is required for fulfillment of the precept. The reason of the first is both because by any of those attentions the mind is directed to divine worship, and because all theologians, even the more rigid, agree in this. But the reason of the second is that by external attention together with the will of hearing Mass there is sufficiently had a human, moral, and religious presence, and consequently one suitable for worshiping God. But exactly this, and this alone, is required for satisfying the precept. Therefore. - Cf. St. Alphonsus, n. 313. - Lugo, de Euchar., disp. 22, n. 23.

Question. Does he satisfy the precept who confesses sins during the time of Mass?

Response. It is controverted; but certainly they are not to be disturbed, not only those who, guilty of some grave sin, cannot put off confession to another hour without great inconvenience, at least because then they are excused from the hearing of Mass, but neither pious penitents who complete confession in a few moments. But those who make a more prolonged confession probably, according to many, satisfy, provided nevertheless that they attend to the Mass in some way. - Cf. Baller., note (a), p. 339.

You Will Resolve. 1st. Sacristans, musicians, organists, tympanists, etc., satisfy the precept of Mass, because their acts are referred to the worship of God, nor do they impede the necessary attention to those things which are performed at the altar. - Cf. St. Alphonsus, n. 317.

2nd. Those who collect alms satisfy, provided they attend to Mass at least confusedly. But if they foresee that they cannot give this attention, let them hear another Mass, if they conveniently can.

3rd. Those who examine their conscience during the time of Mass in order to confess, or discharge sacramental penance, or also make prayer owed by whatever title, satisfy; because in that way the mind is directed to God, and besides two precepts can be satisfied at once, if the things commanded can be performed at the same time. Likewise those who read some spiritual book, but not sacred histories with the mind of learning style. - Cf. St. Alphonsus, n. 314.

4th. Those also satisfy who are involuntarily distracted, even during the whole time of the sacrifice, unless they are so carried away by alien thoughts that they do not attend at all; for then they do not satisfy any more than those involuntarily sleeping through a notable part of Mass, although they are excused from sin. But one dozing at times during the Sacred Rite satisfies, or at least does not gravely fail, provided he in some way adverts to that which is being done. - Cf. St. Alphonsus, n. 316.

5th. But by no means do those satisfy who converse about a serious matter for a notable part of Mass, or attentively consider images, survey the furnishings of the church with their eyes, read inscriptions or other profane things, paint, or perform other similar things, unless these are done interruptedly or in such a way that they do not altogether impede attention. - Cf. St. Alphonsus, n. 317.