Teens get monthly chance to shine at Oneonta Mass

What makes the Mass different is that all of the lay ministers, from choir members and greeters to lectors and Eucharistic ministers, are teens.

For example, Becky's fellow choir member, 16-year-old Kate Brower, not only sings, but also performs liturgical movement and expresses her spirituality through dance. And Chris Herrmann, 15, enjoys being a lector so much that he'd like to serve in this ministry during other Masses in addition to the monthly Mass by youth.

Deep spirituality

"They are deeply spiritual in the moment. While they're singing and when they're celebrating that Mass, they are fully involved, especially when they're allowed to take ownership," she said. "They really do believe that they are not observers, but members of this faith community, not more important than anyone else but not less important than anyone else."

The monthly Mass by youth gives teens in the parish an opportunity to participate more fully in Sunday liturgy and offer their talents for the benefit of the entire parish.

"It is about them finding out what their gift is and what they can contribute," Mrs. Gardner said. "It certainly is an expression of their spirituality. That's the goal."

Options open

Many of those involved have come through St. Mary's religious education program; while some currently attend Oneonta High School, students from several high schools participate in the Mass.

"It's a meeting ground for these students who do not normally see each other," Mrs. Gardner said. "They create another community. This is another gentle introduction to others."

Mrs. Gardner enjoys working with teens because they are

"honest; generous with their time, ideas and labor; and have a wonderful sense of humor about themselves."

At ease together

Becky likes to sing in the choir because she and her fellow singers get to choose upbeat, lively music. She's also made new friends through her involvement, and seeing them during rehearsals and Masses makes coming to church fun.

"I enjoy it because a lot of my friends do it. I feel a little bit more comfortable because I can relate to others more, and it's nice to see other teenagers getting involved," she said.

'It's cool'

"It's cool. It just seems really logical that there's a lot of kids up there," she said.

Chris admitted that he was a little nervous when he began as a lector, but now he's comfortable reading in front of the congregation. He figures his choice of ministry is meaningful from a spiritual standpoint and provides practical experience for teens who want to improve their communication skills for future careers.

The Mass by youth has its spiritual rewards, but Chris also enjoys the social aspect of being involved in a Mass for teens and by teens.

"You really get to meet a lot of people that you don't know," he said.

(11-05-98) [[In-content Ad]]