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I remember when our pastor first talked about the new Life Teen program that our parish was forming several years ago. At the time it sounded very exciting — just what was needed to draw more youth into the church. Since then, I’ve been to probably three or four Life Teen Masses. I attend about once a year out of necessity.
The one thought that I have almost continuously during this Mass is, how can this possibly be okay with the Church? The kids dress as if they were going out to dinner at McDonalds, and they clap and dance to music that is totally inappropriate for a Mass.
What about reverence? Well, there are certainly some pious, reverent people that attend Life Teen services for the sake of their children, or because they just like the music. But I like the music too, just not at Mass! At our parish, the Life Teen band consists of all the typical rock instruments: electric guitar, bass, and drums, in addition to a piano. They play some decent contemporary music, but they are far too loud for church!
Why is it that we have to offer a special Mass just for teenagers? I understand sending the little ones off to the nursery, but why aren’t high school kids mature enough to handle the traditional Mass? Is this what we have to do to ensure that they will come? Where do we draw the line? Why don’t we offer a hip-hop Mass? How about a little Glory to God in the Highest rap?
I’m not too keen on bringing back the Tridentine Mass, but after attending a few Life Teen Masses, I understand where the Tridentine supporters are coming from. Mass is about Jesus. We should be focused on the sacrifice that is taking place, not on our dance moves. Hearing the same twelve words shouted over and over does not help anyone focus on the altar.
If the music is drawing focus away from the main attraction, doesn’t that signify a problem?
gabby
/ August 11, 2008Hi, there’s Life Teen mass at my parish as well. it’s called Life Mass. We have it once every month. it’s where teens are given the opportunity to serve in Mass. But it’s not a mass especially for the teens only. It’s for everyone, but organized by the youth, monitored by the Liturgical committee of our parish. As we prepare for the celebration, teens learn significance of Mass and some liturgical facts. I personally see much growth in the teens who joins the mass, as well as the Life Teen activities. The music, the dances(or jumping) may be annoying to some, but it ‘catches’ our youth who were usually standing outside the church, chatting, and not paying attention to mass. Some of them may not understand why they are dancing or ‘rejoicing’, it may be they’re just enjoying the ‘fun’. But still, it’s a ‘net’ that catches youth back to church. Only when they are back to the church then we can talk about the importance and meaning of a Catholic life. I serve in a youth ministry and I love the Catholic youth with all my heart. Personally,I prefer ‘slower’ music, but I’ve seen many lives change when they start ‘coming’ regularly to church. To the youth nowadays, Mass has become irrelevant to them. Boring (I’ve talked to hundreds of teens about this).And this is one truth about the teens that we, adults have to face. Teens want to feel welcome and accepted. Music touches them and gives them a more comfortable environment to be in. And there’s nothing wrong with dances, if done in the correct understanding of worship (that is, with reverence). I’m glad you are concerned of the youth, and I understand where your frustration comes from. Continue to pray for them.
Penitent
/ August 11, 2008Gabby,
I do appreciate your point of view. I understand that we want/need the youth in our Church. I certainly don’t want to gloss over the great good that many youth programs do. Still, I have trouble being in a Mass where the music draws the focus away from the Mass.
Hopefully one day I will learn to become more accepting — if that’s truly God’s will in this situation.
c
/ December 29, 2008I went through a 2 year confirmation program that turned into Lifeteen at the start of the second year. It was… not the attraction it was supposed to be. I’d imagine that some of the students got into it, but most of my group was at best irritated and at worst disgusted with the approach. After the hour of Wednesday evening mass with that same “updated” music, we’d spend two to three hours in class, the first full hour of which was taken up by some sort of gimmicky “game” or activity that seemed like an awkward attempt to be “hip with the kids”. I couldn’t wait to be done with it.