2008 Youth Supplement

Sharing talents helps youths deepen their faith

Choir members of the Greater Indianapolis Catholic Youth Chorale and Chamber Ensemble practice on the first and third Wednesday of each month at St. Gabriel the Archangel Church, 6000 W. 34th St., in Indianapolis. (Submitted photo)

By Michael Kubancsek (Special to The Criterion)

For some teenagers, waking up on time every Sunday and attending Mass with their families is enough.

Others seek to make a deeper connection to their faith and the celebration of the Mass.

Wanting a more involved part in the worship community, these youths offer their time and talents in music, altar serving, ushering and distributing holy Communion.

Similar to many teenagers, Justin Hoch has found his liturgical niche with music, singing in the choir at St. Barnabas Parish in Indianapolis.

“I enjoy singing because it’s a way I’m involved in the liturgy,” says Hoch, a sophomore at Center Grove High School in Greenwood.

Many parishes have special youth musical groups that perform at weekly or monthly Masses. Our Lady of the Greenwood Parish in Greenwood has just started a group called “JAMZ” under the direction of parishioner Susan Jansen and music director Jeff Havens. They plan to perform once a month at the Sunday evening youth- and young adult Masses.

Other young people get involved more deeply in the Mass by assisting the priest as altar servers. The role and specifics of altar serving vary greatly from parish to parish, especially in the number, attire and duties of the servers.

One special role that young people fulfill is serving as master of ceremonies at weekend and special events Masses, such as funerals and weddings.

Ian Barnstead is honored to assist the priest during Mass.

“What I find best about being an emcee is that I actually assist in bringing Christ to people,” says Ian, a member of St. Luke the Evangelist Parish in Indianapolis. “It’s a role you play in the sacrifice of the Mass. As an emcee, it’s my job to take care of all the little details so the priest does not have to worry about them and can put forth all his attention on the Mass.”

A third important role that young people fill is that of extraordinary minister of holy Communion. Alongside priests and deacons, they distribute the Eucharist to the congregation. Many youths that serve in this role say they feel humbled to be able to literally bring Christ in the Eucharist to their fellow parishioners.

Youths also are happy when parishioners thank them for their service to the worship community.

“We get lots of positive feedback from the parish about how well we do,” Hoch says. “It’s encouraging and makes me feel good.”

(Michael Kubancsek is a member of Our Lady of the Greenwood Parish in Greenwood.) †