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Passing on the faith, though crucial, can challenge families and parishes who may try to engage easily-bored youths while not watering down Catholic teachings. 

St. Mary's parish in Coxsackie found they could get students reading and discussing the book that matters most to Catholics but is often left unopened: the Bible. 

"We started in July of 2000 and in May of 2001 we started the comprehensive youth ministry model," Bob Desrosiers, head of the St. Mary's youth group, 
explained. 

In an innovative effort, the group has students read the Word of God directly rather than hand-outs or worksheets. 

Bible base
Once a week, the teenagers come together and engage in what Mr. Desrosiers described as an exercise in "youth engaging Scripture." They read a passage from Scripture three times, usually based on the week's Gospel. After each time discuss the meaning from a different angle.

"They seem to love doing it and they seem very faithful to it," said Mr. Desrosiers.
After reading the Scripture a first time, the group comments on words or phrases that stuck out to them. After someone reads the Scripture a second time, they discuss how it describes something that goes on in their current lives. And finally, after the third reading, the teens talk about what they think the passage is telling them to do.

Taking charge
While the adults that coordinate the group are present during the meetings and serve as the leaders of the discussion, it is mostly the teenagers who control the conversation.

"We try to listen in without being intrusive," explained Mr. Desrosiers. "We have four adult monitors, but we're just there as resources."

While the group has mostly been for high school students, the group has recently allowed eighth-graders to also become part of the program.

"We try to get involved in as many different aspects of youth ministry as possible," said Mr. Desrosiers. "It's outreach; it's prayer and worship; it's service. It covers a lot of things."

Into action
The program combines good works with faith. The parish group has created an annual schedule of events and meetings that have quickly become a tradition. 

In the fall, the group coordinates a "Back to School Bash," celebrating the beginning of the school year. Twice a year, the group takes a trip to the Adirondacks to help open and close the Pyramid Life Center in Paradox. They even host a youth rally with other faith groups from Greene and Columbia Counties.[[In-content Ad]]

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