Teen Mass

[TheRealJuliane]

There is a certain youth mass I dont go to.
Its not the music so much, or the youth congregating and holding hands on the altar during the consecration…either of these things I’m not a fan of.

However, its the lack of adult discretion in guiding these youth. The band is composed of yutes and their instruments. They setup somewhat early and then for the next twenty or thirty minutes before mass starts after they are already setup with their equiptment and microphone checks. You’ll have these yutes doing a guitar riff, then he settles down, they talk to each other, then another careless yute does a short drum routine, this endlessly goes on until the last minute or two before the entrance procession. I can not be in silence or prayer before the Lord before mass starts and this lack of silence encourages others to chat away.

This pattern seems to repeat itself even with certain adult bands as if they are volunteering to play music then the Pastor or others dont want to step on toes to provide the necessary guidance towards reverence in the Church as if these volunteers would be insulted and not volunteer their services.

Went to one “Life Teen” mass at our church and was shocked when everyone got up and swarmed the altar at consecration! The music was loud, it was as though the entire format of the Mass had been chucked and replaced by something the Protestants would do! Why do we have to dumb things down for teens? It seems to me the equivalent of telling them that we know they can’t control their physical urges so let’s talk about condoms…We know you can’t stand an adult Mass format so let’s add some guitars and let you all come up on the altar as if nothing is going on that is sacred.

To me, it’s pandering to the culture and I don’t like it. My sons have never been enrolled in Life Teen and since that is what serves for confirmation classes (at least you have to attend Life Teen mass for 2 years before getting the confirmation training) in our diocese for the most part, they aren’t going to confirmation classes. I want them home with us on Sunday evening, not up at the church like a couple of orphans. I am greatly offended when any church states, “But if we don’t give them what they want, they won’t LIKE US any more!!!”



Anyway, to the OP - definitely express your feelings about the Mass, and if you can find a like-minded teen, or two, then you will have a stronger argument.

 

[RB2]

It does get worse, as I read in another thread, someones Catholic parish pastor is considering the decision to make the Life Teens be Eucharistic Ministers so that they will continue their interest and participation in the mass.

This violoates the norms of guidance in choosing a Eucharistic minister by a country mile. Eucharistic ministers should be chosen from mature in the faith adults with a track record.

 

[JimR-OCDS]

I just read recently that a survey done among young people showed that apathy toward
religion was at an all time high.

This wasn’t just Christianity and Judaism, it was all religion.

There is apathy toward anything spiritual.

So, it may be that parishes are struggling with the issue with their own young people and are attempting to reach out to them and bring the message of Jesus Christ home to them
in a spiritual way.

Jim

 

[dconklin]

Eucharistic ministers should be chosen from mature in the faith adults with a track record.

:ehh: Are these measurable qualities? Who is to decide? What if there are some EMHCs that are less ‘mature’ adults than some of our 18 year-olds? Are EMHCs chosen or do they volunteer? We have three HS seniors that serve as EMHCs. All three are extensively catechized, attend Mass every week, and are always volunteering at Church and in the community.

Track record? Seriously? Are the priests to document Confessions to keep the records up to date?

 

[jmcrae]

:ehh: Are these measurable qualities? Who is to decide? What if there are some EMHCs that are less ‘mature’ adults than some of our 18 year-olds? Are EMHCs chosen or do they volunteer?

They are chosen - at least, I hope there is no one who forwards himself as being worthy to distribute the Eucharist to others. But if the priest asks you to do it, you obey him, and remind yourself that you are not worthy to do this; you are only doing it out of obedience to your pastor.

We have three HS seniors that serve as EMHCs. All three are extensively catechized, attend Mass every week, and are always volunteering at Church and in the community.

That actually sounds like a good track record, to me.

Track record? Seriously?

They should be known to be faithful Catholics, and should have had experience in other areas of ministry, and know how to obey their pastor without arguing with him.

 

[RB2]

:ehh: Are these measurable qualities? Who is to decide? What if there are some EMHCs that are less ‘mature’ adults than some of our 18 year-olds? Are EMHCs chosen or do they volunteer? We have three HS seniors that serve as EMHCs. All three are extensively catechized, attend Mass every week, and are always volunteering at Church and in the community.

Track record? Seriously? Are the priests to document Confessions to keep the records up to date?

Obviously some silly stuff thrown at me.

Here you go a considered opinion.
zenit.org/rssenglish-30279

Teens and young adults are experiencing dating and sexual pressures for the first time, its not fair to them to be in a position of falling the previous night then be prompted or chosen to distribute communion the next day on a Sunday in a state of mortal sin.
Whats more is that at least half of these teens, actually more than that, and young adults will fall away from the faith. They dont represent a good pool of people to draw from . With all these considerations, its not prudent to be picking teen and young adults for these ministries especially when the pool of more mature catholics is available and available they always are and in mass 5 times or more a week. Teens and young adults are there on Sundays only. A good pastor knows his people. It is not especially prudent to be picking teens and young adults for this ministry for all the obvious reasons especially since they are not ‘mature in the faith’ and not mature in anything at this age unfortunately. Spiritual maturity is not something attained early in life. Of course, one can only speak in generalities. Exceptions are not the standard bearer of knowledge.

 

[spellinggirl]

I just wanted to update everyone.

I was SHOCKED at how the meeting went. The adults who were there expressed their disappointment in the slowness of the parish’s response to the request for a Mass. Our priest got FURIOUS and began yelling at adults and calling some of their opinions “demonic”. Then he said how upset he was that there were “so few” adults in attendance (since they sent out a parish-wide email). The adults who WERE there (about 40) said “Hey, what about us? We came!” It was anarchy. When a woman began demanding that the teens stand and sing with the adults to “represent” that we were “all together”, I left.

Today I am ashamed of my parish and how people acted. I’m especially shocked at my priest. I have never seen him that way before.

 

[PatriceA]

I just wanted to update everyone.

I was SHOCKED at how the meeting went. The adults who were there expressed their disappointment in the slowness of the parish’s response to the request for a Mass. Our priest got FURIOUS and began yelling at adults and calling some of their opinions “demonic”. Then he said how upset he was that there were “so few” adults in attendance (since they sent out a parish-wide email). The adults who WERE there (about 40) said “Hey, what about us? We came!” It was anarchy. When a woman began demanding that the teens stand and sing with the adults to “represent” that we were “all together”, I left.

Today I am ashamed of my parish and how people acted. I’m especially shocked at my priest. I have never seen him that way before.

Well it sounds like he might be under attack, and much much more is going on than you are aware. He is prudent to be slow in acting, given the description you’ve provided. Were your parents present at this meeting? Do they have anything to say about your experience?

 

[JimR-OCDS]

I just wanted to update everyone.

I was SHOCKED at how the meeting went. The adults who were there expressed their disappointment in the slowness of the parish’s response to the request for a Mass. Our priest got FURIOUS and began yelling at adults and calling some of their opinions “demonic”. Then he said how upset he was that there were “so few” adults in attendance (since they sent out a parish-wide email). The adults who WERE there (about 40) said “Hey, what about us? We came!” It was anarchy. When a woman began demanding that the teens stand and sing with the adults to “represent” that we were “all together”, I left.

Today I am ashamed of my parish and how people acted. I’m especially shocked at my priest. I have never seen him that way before.

Pray for your priest and fellow parishioners.

Jim

 

[jmcrae]

I just wanted to update everyone.

I was SHOCKED at how the meeting went. The adults who were there expressed their disappointment in the slowness of the parish’s response to the request for a Mass. Our priest got FURIOUS and began yelling at adults and calling some of their opinions “demonic”.

Like, what?

I’m still not very clear. Is the priest in favour of this idea, or not? (If not, then it’s probably best to just skip the whole thing, and work on other strategies for getting the youth involved at Mass.)

Then he said how upset he was that there were “so few” adults in attendance (since they sent out a parish-wide email). The adults who WERE there (about 40) said “Hey, what about us? We came!” It was anarchy.

Wow - I agree that he seems to be under attack.

When a woman began demanding that the teens stand and sing with the adults to “represent” that we were “all together”, I left.

I don’t blame you a bit.

Today I am ashamed of my parish and how people acted. I’m especially shocked at my priest. I have never seen him that way before.

It seems as if they are very emotionally attached to their opinions. People act very badly, when they get emotionally involved. Remember, “all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” No one except Mary and Jesus made it through life without ever doing anything embarrassingly stupid.

 

[spellinggirl]

I was the only one in my family present. My parents didn’t really have a response, just surprise.

I think our priest assumes we must use a Life Teen Mass, which apparently costs money to implement. As we’re in debt, he doesn’t want to spend any more money than we already do. It was just a very very strange night. It all blurred together as things got more hectic. I’m so glad I left when I did. Friends of mine who stayed said it ended without anything being accomplished. As my gal pal stated: “Everyone got pissed and left pissed.”

 

[jmcrae]

I was the only one in my family present. My parents didn’t really have a response, just surprise.

I think our priest assumes we must use a Life Teen Mass, which apparently costs money to implement.

I see. Well, since you weren’t really in favour of the idea to start with, it seems as if that’s that. But if you want to talk it over further, it would be good to point out to him that all you need for a Youth Mass is Youth volunteers to help lead the music, proclaim the readings, and take up the collection and the gifts - maybe ten teenagers, with some adults to guide and direct them. You don’t need any special kind of music, or anything that costs money.

 

[joandarc2008]

Well spelling - take the bull by the horns so to speak - support your priest. Go to him - ask him what you can do as a teen to make his life easier - even if it is fundraising for the Life Teen Mass - follow his instructions - ask your parents to please come with you - tell them you need them as their marriage covenant means bringing you up in the faith not the other way around. God bless.

 

[dconklin]

Obviously some silly stuff thrown at me.

Here you go a considered opinion.
zenit.org/rssenglish-30279

Teens and young adults are experiencing dating and sexual pressures for the first time, its not fair to them to be in a position of falling the previous night then be prompted or chosen to distribute communion the next day on a Sunday in a state of mortal sin.
Whats more is that at least half of these teens, actually more than that, and young adults will fall away from the faith. They dont represent a good pool of people to draw from . With all these considerations, its not prudent to be picking teen and young adults for these ministries especially when the pool of more mature catholics is available and available they always are and in mass 5 times or more a week. Teens and young adults are there on Sundays only. A good pastor knows his people. It is not especially prudent to be picking teens and young adults for this ministry for all the obvious reasons especially since they are not ‘mature in the faith’ and not mature in anything at this age unfortunately. Spiritual maturity is not something attained early in life. Of course, one can only speak in generalities. Exceptions are not the standard bearer of knowledge.

The article and your points are very well founded but far from practical in our parish and many of the parishes in our diocese. We have just over 2800 families in our parish. Our good pastor does not know all of his people. We offer 8 Masses every weekend. We use either six or nine EMHCs at every Mass. Most of our Masses have a good ‘supply’ of EMHCs to draw from. A few of the Masses do not. I attend the 5:30 Sunday night Mass because I am shepherding our flock of 1300 kids all morning and my daughter has Confirmation class after the 5:30 Mass. I serve at this Mass every week as an EMHC. There are odd occasions when I or any number of us cannot serve at this Mass and we go without our full compliment on EMHCs. You would think we could get more ministers out of the regular attendance of 550 people, but we cannot - though the teens are eager.

Your claims about the teens having sexual pressures is not far from accurate, but they are not all caving to those temptations on Saturday night. I worry more about the sinful temptations the adults that are serving face. And faith maturity or any maturity? My guess is that you are not a parent. My daughter is 13 and will be mature enough in all aspects to serve her Church and her parish when she is 18. She is an advanced Altar Server, is a member of a community service organization, enjoys Mass, sings in the choir… She is not alone. Of course, we offer an exceptional faith formation program called the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. Many children who complete this program would be a great candidates for any ministry. Mass five days a week? Of our regular daily Mass attendees (about 60 people) less than 10 are EMHCs.

 

[dconklin]

They are chosen - at least, I hope there is no one who forwards himself as being worthy to distribute the Eucharist to others.

In our parish of over 10,000 souls, people volunteer for ministries. Only the Pastoral Council is chosen by the pastor.

 

[RB2]

The article and your points are very well founded but far from practical in our parish and many of the parishes in our diocese. We have just over 2800 families in our parish. Our good pastor does not know all of his people. We offer 8 Masses every weekend. We use either six or nine EMHCs at every Mass. Most of our Masses have a good ‘supply’ of EMHCs to draw from. A few of the Masses do not. I attend the 5:30 Sunday night Mass because I am shepherding our flock of 1300 kids all morning and my daughter has Confirmation class after the 5:30 Mass. I serve at this Mass every week as an EMHC. There are odd occasions when I or any number of us cannot serve at this Mass and we go without our full compliment on EMHCs. You would think we could get more ministers out of the regular attendance of 550 people, but we cannot - though the teens are eager.

Your claims about the teens having sexual pressures is not far from accurate, but they are not all caving to those temptations on Saturday night. I worry more about the sinful temptations the adults that are serving face. And faith maturity or any maturity? My guess is that you are not a parent. My daughter is 13 and will be mature enough in all aspects to serve her Church and her parish when she is 18. She is an advanced Altar Server, is a member of a community service organization, enjoys Mass, sings in the choir… She is not alone. Of course, we offer an exceptional faith formation program called the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. Many children who complete this program would be a great candidates for any ministry. Mass five days a week? Of our regular daily Mass attendees (about 60 people) less than 10 are EMHCs.

I think that teens as Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist is a bit of liberal positon. One that you seem to serve as an advocate for. Different strokes for different folks I suppose.

 

[dorramide7]

Third or fourth this advice, can’t remember how many other previous posters gave this the thumbs up.

Why don’t you go to the meeting, say you’ve found teen masses to be a bit irreverant and how you hope this experience at your own parish could be different? If the only teens that are showing up for the meetings are the ones that want masses that seem a bit wild, then the only teen masses anybody is ever going to experience is the irreverant masses. You have a chance to make a difference, use it.

We have a life teen mass at our Parish - there is an adult band that plays -they do the Kyrie - it is not Gregorian but it is Kyrie and it is reverent. The times in the Mass such as the Eucharist are reverent as they should be - the music is more contemporary Christian as far as the hymns. They are still hymns - things you would probably recognize from Steve Agrisano, etc. No loud rap, or hard rock. They can be sung along with. Attendance is good. If anything I think the teens become more reverent and well behaved attending this mass then the others as they wish to keep it.

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