What Is A Life Teen Mass?
A Youth-focused Mass is nothing more than a vibrant liturgy that speaks to young people and challenges them to live as Disciples of Christ. It is not limited to just teenagers, people of all ages can attend youth Mass. The environment, music, and homilies are set for youth and their families. There is an energy that teens bring to the celebration that is contagious.
ENVIRONMENT
Teens know from the first time they attend a youth Mass that they are welcome there and that this is the place for them. They are greeted and encouraged. The teens are encouraged to serve in the various liturgical ministries. A community forms that supports the teens in their journey.
MUSIC
Teens listen to a great deal of music everyday. To inculturate the liturgy for teens, a youth Mass uses musical instruments that teens are used to hearing on a daily basis. The tone is still prayerful as teens respond by participating and actually singing at Mass.
HOMILY
The teens are addressed directly at the homily. The Scripture readings are broken open for the teens and show how relevant it is for their lives. Teens are drawn to the truth as the homily gives them the truth of our faith. We believe that teens are worth speaking and listening to. They are not the Church of tomorrow; they are the Church of today. We must talk openly with them about the issues that touch their lives. We must proclaim the truth with love to the teens.
Teens Serving As Liturgical Ministers
Teens are able to serve in a number of ministries at our Life Teen Mass! It can be a great way to offer your service to God and on behalf of your fellow believers. If you are interested in serving in any of the below ministries, please contact Jono at Jshea@bsctlh.com.
MUSIC MINISTRY – Quality and commitment are essential for this ministry so be prepared to commit. We need both vocal and instrumental musicians (guitar, piano, bass, drums and more are welcome). Rehearsals begin at 4:00 pm each Sunday. We invite both middle school and high school youth to serve.
HOSPITALITY – We call upon teens to greet parishioners as they come to Mass. The goal is to make every person feel welcomed. The first impression a newcomer has can have lasting effects. We work to treat everybody like it’s their first twenty minutes at the parish. It can go a long way to creating a warm, hospitable community. Hospitality Ministers must arrive at least 30 minutes before Mass.
ALTAR SERVERS – Teens are welcome to serve as altar servers. We have periodic trainings for new and returning altar servers. It is a great way to grow closer to our Lord as we assist at the Holy Sacrifice. We invite both middle school and high school youth to serve. Altar servers must arrive at least 30 minutes before Mass.
READERS – Sometimes the only encounter someone might have with the Word of God is hearing it read to them. It is so important that we proclaim the Word well, so that people can truly understand! We have periodic trainings for new and returning Readers. We invite all teens from 8th grade on up to serve. Readers must arrive at least 30 minutes before Mass.
EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS OF HOLY COMMUNION - You help to bring Jesus to his people in Holy Communion. Teens must be at least 16 years old and must be trained and commissioned for this ministry. EMHC's must arrive at least 20 minutes before Mass.
BEHIND THE SCENES - There is a lot of work which needs to be done behind the scenes, too. We need slide operators, sound techs, and more. If you want to find little ways to serve, we can help.
