How three teens help others

What do teenagers do to prepare for confirmation? Everything from soup to education:

* Soup and service go hand-in-hand for Jessica Smith, a parishioner of Christ the King Church in Westmere. She will be confirmed this spring. As part of her preparation for the sacrament, she will help serve meals on a Saturday morning at the soup kitchen at St. John's/St. Ann's Church in Albany.

She's helped out at the soup kitchen before and enjoyed the experience so much that she decided to return there this year. The experience taught Jessica, 16, that she doesn't have to look far to find people in need. "It made me realize how much poverty is around me," she said. "Things are different for everyone, and God helps everyone through it."

* Carolynn Nemeth, 16, a parishioner of St. Matthew's Church in Voorheesville, teaches religious education to kids in kindergarten and first grade. Serving her parish in that ministry has prepared her well for Confirmation. "It's definitely one of the most worthwhile things I've ever done," she said.

Carolynn, who also is involved with her parish youth council and music ministry, added that being a religious education teacher gives her "the feeling that I'm teaching about something that was taught to me, and that I'm making a difference in someone's life."

* Alison Burnside, a parishioner of Our Lady of Mercy Church in Colonie, helps out as a leader for teen retreats at her parish and other parishes. In that role, she's able to connect with her peers on an individual basis, and she enjoys sharing her faith with them.

In addition, Alison, 17, assists with the monthly youth liturgy at her parish, during which readings and skits are geared toward children. She also hopes to follow in the footsteps of other teens in her parish who have remained involved in lay ministry after their Confirmation. She has found her work with youth to be good preparation for the sacrament and realizes the importance of service in Christian life.

"I think the service completely gives you an understanding of God," she said. (PQ)

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