When a Teen Chooses You by Moore Joseph

Author:Moore, Joseph [Moore, Joseph]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Franciscan Media
Published: 2012-02-29T00:00:00+00:00

Talking About Sunday Liturgy

Young teens often oppose attendance at Mass as a way of testing parental limits. Discerning the difference between this testing and an older youth or teen in a real crisis of faith can be difficult. Pressuring the latter to attend could harm spiritual growth rather than help it. Following are some possible directions to take with the question.

• No matter how much you disagree, try to listen patiently to a teen’s objection. Feeling heard is half the issue. In the area of faith, we need to show deep respect for another’s viewpoint even if the other is young. We can’t ever lose sight of the fact that Jesus’ entire message is an invitation, not a command—and we need to reflect his attitude.

• Offer a challenge if you feel it appropriate. Ask what the teen contributes to improve parish liturgy. Has he sought out a more meaningful liturgy at another parish? If she wants to worship God on her own, how does she plan to do that? Remember that harshness may alienate someone totally; be very sensitive in this area.

• Explore parish opportunities for teens to work on the liturgy with other people their age to render it more meaningful to them.

• Realize that most spiritual formation occurs in the family. Most teens learn religious practices in the home and, if they reject them for a time, there is a high probability that they will readopt them in the future. If you are not the parent of the teen you are guiding, there may be little you can do regarding Sunday church attendance. Leave it to God and don’t be personally distressed and aggravated. In many Catholic homes today, regular attendance at Sunday Eucharist is not a value. Maybe you could invite the young person to attend with you or arrange for them to get a ride to church with the family of one of their peers.

• Share your reasons for attending Mass. “The Sunday celebration of the Lord’s Day and his Eucharist is at the heart of the Church’s life” (CCC, #2177). The Eucharist is one of the most precious gifts Jesus left us. Your own appreciation of that gift will say more to young people than your words will. When the rich young man refused to follow him, Jesus did not coerce him (see Mark 10:17–23). We must always remember that Jesus is our model for inviting young men and women to follow him.

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