WHAT IS LIFE TEEN?
The Life Teen Program is a comprehensive youth ministry program with a strong focus on the Eucharist. Starting with a weekly LIFE TEEN Mass, high school teens are placed in an environment where they have the opportunity to experience fully the greatest gift we have as the Church. This liturgy provides the cultural connection for the teens - allowing them to take ownership of their faith so it's not just their "parent's thing" anymore. They begin to develop a relationship with Jesus that is both personal and real. Immediately following the Mass, teens gather for the Life Night to learn about the Church and their faith in challenging ways.
WHAT ATTRACTS TEENS TO LIFE TEEN?
Two things: the TRUTH and EXPERIENCE. Teaching teens about the truth in line with the theology of the Catholic Church is how the program educates through creative Bible studies, discussions and personal experiences. Providing powerful liturgies for teens and their families is how the program helps them experience the power and love of Christ in the Eucharist, the Word of God and each other.
WHAT MAKES LIFE TEEN WORK?
From its inception in 1985, Life Teen has been leading teens closer to Christ. Focusing on a holistic approach, Life Teen has developed a program to reach high school teens on all levels: emotional, intellectual, spiritual and relational - dispelling the notion that all it takes is a social club with lots of activities to keep teens on track. It takes much more. This ministry draws every aspect of a teen's life into a faith connection and journey with and for Jesus Christ. In addition to the powerful weekly liturgies and challenging youth meetings, there are retreats, outreach, prayer groups and other activities for teens that deepen their communion with Christ and each other.
Community is vital to the success of this program as teens receive education, support and guidance in the environment of a community of peers, church leaders, parents and volunteers. Trained youth ministers and core members are there to help teens experience their Catholic faith and to provide a model of Christian living.
Is there really a reason to devote this much time, energy and resources to youth ministry? Yes! Quality youth ministry is not only a way to respond to the Church's mission to evangelize, it can be a life-giving alternative to the negative pressures of today which are so strongly exerted on our youth. Teens today are at physical, intellectual, emotional and spiritual risk than any other age category. The need is there… the time is now!