Youth Ministry

New Youth Mass

Youth Masses will now be celebrated on the third Sunday of the month at the 11 a.m. Mass. Our next spiritually-charged Youth Mass is scheduled Sept. 19, 2010, at St. Joseph's.

“We want to get more kids into it,” said Susan Quigley, an active teen leader at St. Joseph’s. “It’s going to be a lot of fun." More youth participation in the planning and promoting of the Mass and more teens playing a part, including welcoming everyone at the doors, might spur other young people to come onboard with it, she said.

Some people think that our current parish youth Masses are for some particular group or clique of teens, said Jenna Crabtree, who is involved in the parish Youth Ministry. “Many people might feel left out,” she said. One of the goals of this re-envisioned youth Mass is to spotlight the fact that everyone is invited to participate and help with it, added the parish teen.

Assisting at the youth Mass and going to other parish activities is really important for young people, said Abe Sorich. Teens are coping with peer pressures and swamped with homework, tests and recreational activities. The burdens of college choices and career paths weigh heavily on young people too, he said. Having an energetic forum for worshiping the Lord, like the youth Mass, and getting involved in parish activities “puts you on the right path,” said the teen. “Having God in your life is a real plus.” 

It’s important to point out that all members of our parish community are invited to this youth Mass, stressed Sorich. The parish teenager, who has taken part in many spiritually-charged mission trips and retreats, said he wants to bring a similar experience to his own parish. The youth Mass is not about going through the motions … Sorich wants it to be an experience that opens eyes, awakens spirits and shines light on all of the Lord’s blessings.

Father Tony Nugent, parish pastor, hopes the new youth Mass will stir parishioners and visitors to worship in the same active way they cheer on their teams to victory at sporting events or how they become totally immersed in plays and movies. Lively worship from others is usually contagious among many within the assembly, said Father Tony. “We pull energy and grace out of each other … This makes the assembly the best it can be.”

“A youth Mass is to call forth and affirm the gifts of young people primarily those who’ve been confirmed to help them become active responsible members of the parish through liturgical participation,” said Matt Toohill, coordinator of Youth Ministry at St. Joseph Parish. “By doing this at a youth Mass the parish shows that they are giving much to the youth, and the youth are giving much back to the parish.”

Ellen Bowen loves getting involved at her parish and helping nurture and grow youth programs. “It’s fun … It’s awesome.” She’s concerned, however, about the lack of interest among her peers. Hopefully she and others who are involved with the new youth Mass will help inspire others to come and help out with it and get enriched in the other ministries of St. Joseph’s. “Whoever reads this … Tell you kids … Tell your grandkids about us … They’re so welcome here.”   

Please join us for our Youth Mass! It will be an inspiring experience!

Find out more/Get Involved: 815-939-2780 mtoohill@stjosephbradley.org