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Engagement #8
We encourage young people's participation in all our parish’s liturgies, being careful not to relegate them to a separate celebration
Context
The parish is where the Church lives. Parishes are communities of faith, of action, and of hope. They are where the Gospel is proclaimed and celebrated, where believers are formed and sent to renew the earth. Parishes are the home of the Christian community; they are the heart of our Church. Parishes are the place where God's people meet Jesus in word and sacrament and come in touch with the source of the Church's life. (Communities of Salt and Light, p. 1, USCCB)
Goal
Effective and comprehensive pastoral ministry with young people notes that young people reflect a distinct age group and "culture" within our society. Their language expressions, musical styles, and ways of life are often quite different from those of older generations. Those who prepare the liturgy need to find appropriate ways to incorporate the world of young people into worship, remembering that the "pastoral effectiveness of a celebration will be heightened if the texts of the readings, prayers, and songs correspond as closely as possible to the needs, religious dispositions, and aptitude of the participants" (GIRM no. 313) (Renewing the Vision)
Suggested Implementation
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Liturgical Catechesis: Our liturgy is both beautiful and steeped in tradition. For us to expect the next generation to appreciate and pass it along to their children, we must take the care to explain it and celebrate it fully.
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Training and Engagement in Liturgical Ministry: Invite young people into service in liturgical ministries. This is the most public witness of the parish being an opportunity for engagement by young people.
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Model Behavior: Ask adults to serve alongside young people to model appropriate behavior in liturgical ministries.
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Advocate for their Inclusion: Work towards ensuring that young people find a place within the many ministries of the Eucharistic Liturgy as well as ensuring that it speaks to them and the culture in which they are growing.
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Scripture Resources: Provide resources to assist young people in understanding the Lectionary as well as to prepare and to celebrate the Liturgy of the Word.
Methods for Evaluation
Within the same calendar year as you attempt to address this concern, delegate individuals, both young and old, to ask:
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Do we see more young people at liturgy?
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Can young people see themselves as part of our Sunday liturgies?