3 minute read
Life Teen Mass and Lifenotes Band
More than Just the “Future Church”
In many homes, it’s a familiar debate. As children turn into teenagers, most start to consider the role of faith in their lives — and with that, they may question the importance of Mass. For many young people, it seems easier to connect with God while out in nature, or from the comfort of their room. However, here at St. Philip Neri, we hope to help our young people appreciate the Mass as the “source and summit” of our faith, while also creating an opportunity for them to fully enter into prayer — and service — at our Life Teen Mass.
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The Life Teen Mass takes place at 5:30 p.m. on Sundays, and is designed to provide an engaging worship experience, as well as give young people the chance to help with the liturgy.
“I dislike the saying, ‘The youth are the future of the Church,’ because that’s not true,” says Tayler Howie, Director of Youth Ministry and Confirmation. “They are the Church. They’re no less the body of Christ than any of the rest of us. They don’t need to wait until they’re older to be involved in ministry during the Mass — they can be doing that now. I think it helps them take their faith more seriously.”
In addition to serving as lectors, ushers and Eucharistic Ministers, one of the ways that teens — and anyone “young at heart” — are encouraged to use their gifts is through our Lifenotes Band. This ensemble provides music for our Life Teen Mass, and is a bit different from other groups within our parish Music Ministry, both in the selection of songs and the style of worship.
“The Lifenotes Band mainly performs contemporary Christian music, whereas the other Masses are more traditional,” says Zinorl Bronola, who serves as band director and has a master’s degree in piano performance. “It’s aimed at engaging young people, but we believe that anybody who is young at heart can be part of the band.”
The Lifenotes Band provides a way for people to use their gifts in service to the parish community, while also drawing others into prayer.
“Music is the accompaniment of your prayer,” Zinorl says. “Being in the band is like using a megaphone. The teens, they can obviously pray by themselves, but when they are singing, it’s like their prayer is heard by everybody and it uplifts them. Their music is being heard for the common good of exalting God.”
In addition to prayer and service, the Life Teen Mass also provides an opportunity for young people to be reminded that they are not alone in practicing their faith. In a world where many youth choose not to prioritize God, it can be particularly encouraging — for teens and adults alike — to look around and see young people engaged in worship each week.
“In attending that Mass, they can look around and see they’re not the only youth in this parish — there are other teens attending Mass and taking their faith seriously,” Tayler says. “It’s the idea of growing in holiness as a community. It’s easier when you look around and see the support of your peers who are also practicing their faith.”
Tayler encourages youth to consider using their gifts to serve the parish community at the Life Teen Mass.
“Do not be afraid,” Tayler says. “The main reservation teens often have is the anxiety of messing up. This is a
way to actively take hold of your faith — don’t be afraid. If you have a desire to serve the church community, that’s what we’re looking for.”
“Keep on using the talents that God has given you,” Zinorl adds. “Do not be ashamed of sharing it with others.”
