Some worry about Masses that divide families

When St. Ambrose Church in Latham first began its Life Teen effort (see main article), some people were concerned that the program would divide families by having a separate liturgy for teens.

But Bob Rice, youth minister, encourages families to continue to attend Mass together. Some youth even attend two Masses on the weekends, while other families attend the Life Teen Mass together.

The danger of splitting of families worries some. "In general, the idea is to integrate rather than separate age groups," said Rev. Michael Spillane, executive director of the Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commissions. Parishes, he said, should incorporate youth into all parish liturgies, and liturgy should reflect the parish community.

"We are a parish -- old and young -- and incorporate the gifts of all," he said.

Bob McCarty, executive director of the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry agreed. "We don't like when liturgy separates youth out," he said. "Youth need to celebrate with the entire faith community."

Mr. McCarty also noted that there is no youth ministry program that is perfect for all parishes. Life Teen, he said, is one of a variety of models of youth ministry. In order for a youth ministry program to work, the parish must have a solid vision of youth ministry.

The NFCYM has found three criteria necessary in youth ministry. The programs should be comprehensive and reflect the U.S. bishops' documents on youth; they should unite the young people with the total parish community; and they should be collaborative efforts that provide youth the opportunity to interact on a parish, diocesan and national level.

"Youth ministry is the single most difficult ministry in the Church," Mr. McCarty said. "Adolescents reinvent themselves every three years, so youth ministry programs continually need to be assessed. There aren't quick fixes." (MM)