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The pews quickly fill with parishioners young and old as a screen lights up with the lyrics to the liturgy's first song and the 20-person band begins leading "Our God is Here." At the end of the Mass, youth minister Kurt Lawrence announces a mission trip: Teens can spend a week of service in Philadelphia.

It's another lively Life Teen liturgy at St. Clement's Church in Saratoga Springs.

The energetic liturgy, use of technology and service-oriented youth ministry are signs of St. Clement's youth ministry program stepping forward into the culture of their teens while still retaining the rich tradition of the Catholic faith.

Although a formal youth group has been active at the parish for the past few decades, since Mr. Lawrence took up the position of youth minister in 2006, he has worked to breathe new life into the program.

This included incorporating many aspects of the Life Teen program, a model for youth ministry that includes a Mass, meetings, social gatherings and service opportunities - all with the goal of bringing teens closer to Christ and involved in the Church.

"I use the [Life Teen] program because its grounding is in tradition, yet it's with the culture of today and is current," said Mr. Lawrence. "The struggle today is to try to work with how the world is today and not fight against it. It's a different world than it was 50 or 100 years ago, and we have to figure out a way to use that" in reaching out to youth.

In his time as youth minister, Mr. Lawrence has seen teenagers become both busier and more driven to service: "We're competing for their time."

Between school, sports, clubs, family, and friends, teenagers are left with little down time to spare; "so, when they do have free time, they want to know they're spending it doing something meaningful," said Mr. Lawrence.

That's where volunteer work, service, and mission trips enter into the picture.

"There are so many events and opportunities that our youth group offers," noted 17-year-old Julie Marco, a senior at Saratoga Springs High School who has been a part of the youth group for four years.

"No matter what we're doing, we always have a great time doing it," she added. "Sometimes, my parents ask if I'm sure I want to take on all that I do here, but I know it's worth it."

Service work is important to teens because in well-off Saratoga Springs, young Catholics can sometimes be unaware of the needs of others around the world or even in other parts of the state, said Mr. Lawrence.

"Opportunities provided by St. Clement's open their eyes to that and [to] how blessed they are," he explained.

Service also provides another opportunity for catechesis.

"Teens today need to experience something, not just hear about it, said Mr. Lawrence. "Until they have the experience of God, they don't know or understand what everyone is telling them about Him. I've seen Christ change many hearts that weren't necessarily hardened, but just unsure."

For Mr. Lawrence and Rev. Paul Borowski, CSsR, pastor, youth ministry is particularly important because they are ministering to a major force in the Church.

"We both see it the same way: The youth are not our future; they are our Church now," said Mr. Lawrence. "If we don't feed and nourish them today, they won't be in pews tomorrow."

"All of the leaders reach out to us here," said 16-year-old Maeve Conley. As she prepares for confirmation at St. Clement's, she has been able to take part in the retreats and service projects offered - and has become more excited about her faith in the process.

"It gives you the encouragement to do the right thing," said Maeve. "And it's not just listening in church, but talking it out with peers and adults afterward. It's definitely an experience that can change your life."

(Click here for a look at the differences between the millenial generation and others.)

(11/18/10)

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