Youth say 'YES' to Bible study

At Our Lady of the Annunciation parish in Queensbury, teens have answered the call to ministry with a resounding "YES!"

A peer-led group of teenagers who learn more about God and the Church through weekly Bible study, the acronym stands for "Youth Engaging Scripture," said the group's founder, Judy Lebel, a catechist and coordinator of Liturgy of the Word for Children at the parish.

A convert to Catholicism, she decided to start the group as a result of being a member of an adult Bible study group in the parish. "I felt that it would be wonderful to offer the same experience to our teens," she said.

Sessions

The group gathers weekly to read parts of the Bible and pray together. Members volunteer to be leaders, which gets them out of the mindset that their role as Catholics is to just "sit there and be entertained" by the liturgy, Mrs. Lebel said.

"We usually read a passage from either the Old Testament or the New Testament and discuss its meaning," she continued. "They are encouraged to think all week about what we read."

Members voice their questions, concerns and personal interpretation of the passages.

Key time

Mrs. Lebel said the group is important because, "typically, the teenage years are a time when young people begin to question their faith. They no longer believe in God and spiritual things simply because Mom and Dad say it's so.

"It's a critical time in their spiritual lives, and they need a place to turn to discuss issues, ask questions and get to know God on a deeper level than before."

She has discovered that teens have a lot to contribute.

"Our group has certainly confirmed that God speaks differently to different people," she noted. "Things will jump out at the teens that, as an adult, I might miss or not have even thought of in the way that they perceive it. On the other hand, they are often amazed at my adult interpretations of a reading. It's refreshing to see the Bible through their eyes."

Teen perspective

Members of the group include James Greer, 15; Eric Lebel, 14; Robert Keane, 14: Alana Keane, 12; and Danny Wright, 12.

James said that he has "learned a lot from the other members. They are very insightful and understand the texts very well."

He added that he "really enjoys reading from the Bible," both with the group and on his own.

Reflecting on what he has learned, James noted that "I didn't realize how much of a rebel Christ was. He is truly the most ground-breaking figure in religion because He stood for all people, not just one group. He preached, not punished, and loves all people."

God and youth

Mrs. Lebel believes that a dynamic youth ministry program "will give teens the incentive to start placing God and their faith formation higher up on their priority lists.

"What I hope the students learn from this Bible study group is that God has a plan for each of them. Getting to know God better and learning how to hear His voice through Scripture will give them a solid foundation in their faith as they mature."

(For more information about YES! call the parish office, 793-9677.)

(11/15/07) [[In-content Ad]]