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July 17, 2004
LifeTeen and GIRM
LifeTeen is one of the more popular youth ministry packages/styles/formats/programs out there. I've never been to a LifeTeen Mass, although I have received and listened to many opinions about it over the years. One of the ongoing issues has been, as I understand it, that although the program is very orthodox theologically and emphasizes things like Eucharistic Adoration and pro-life issues, some have wondered about certain aspects of the LifeTeen liturgies.
Well, apparently change is on the way. A letter has been sent by Msgr. Dale Fushek, founder (I think) and director of Life Teen, regarding a June meeting that Bishop Olmsted of Phoenix had with Cardinal Arinze specifically about the program.
As a result of these and other discussions, the letter states:
As the founder of this youth movement, I am writing to confirm our adherence to the new GIRM, and as always, our obedience to our own local Bishops. In this spirit of obedience, we are asking all parishes that implement the LIFE TEEN model to make the following changes:
1. In accordance with the new GIRM, teens are no longer to enter the sanctuary for the Eucharistic prayer. Being in the sanctuary is to be reserved for the priest celebrant, concelebrants, and those performing a specific ministry.2. The GIRM very specifically offers three options for the end of the Mass. We are to cease using the phrase “The Mass Never Ends, It Must Be Lived” and begin using one of the three prescribed endings found in the Missal.
3. After music practice or welcoming, please make sure there is a period of silence to begin the liturgical celebration.
4. As we have always taught, please make sure the music does not in any way detract from the action at the altar, ambo, or chair.
5. Please make sure that full implementation of the GIRM is done in accordance with your Diocese and accomplished with a spirit of joy.
I am sure these issues will be hard on some parishes and teens. But, let me assure you, our cooperation with Rome and the BCL will only enhance our liturgical celebrations and our mission in the Church. It will be essential that we catechize our teens and their families on what we are doing, and why we are doing it.
Posted by Amy Welborn | Permalink
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» FLASH! LifeTeen Revised from DEFENSOR FIDEI: Jimmy Akin's Blog
Amy Welborn is reporting that the LifeTeen program is about to be changed to bring "LifeTeen Masses" into conformity with the Church's liturgical law. She writes: A letter has been sent by Msgr. Dale Fushek, founder (I think) and director [Read More]
Tracked on Jul 18, 2004 2:23:29 PM
» Life Teen makes changes from Bettnet.com - Musings From Domenico Bettinelli
Amy Welborn reprints part of a letter from Life Teen's founder, instructing all LT programs to get on board with the recent GIRM changes. However, that's a little misleading since [Read More]
Tracked on Jul 19, 2004 8:54:25 AM
Comments
As a member of the LifeTeen ministry team at our parish, I can definitely say that this will be a difficult transition--especially for our teens. Unfortunately, our community has been somewhat resistant to the new GIRM, though we have implemented *most* of the changes to liturgy throughout our parish.
This could present an incredible opportunity to teach about the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass to our teens--I just hope that the ministry team doesn't get caught up in nrgativity and resistance; otherwise, we'll probably end up squandering that opportunity.
Amy, do you know where I can find the text of that letter on the web?
Thanks.
Posted by: Keith Strohm at Jul 17, 2004 12:39:24 AM
I don't understand what's bad about making sure that humility and a clear sense of the sacred are built in to a Life Teen Mass. Are those negative obstacles to effective worship?
(I hope not..)
Posted by: Shy One at Jul 17, 2004 8:30:17 AM
I note that none of these proposed changes are new to the most recent Missal. Saying so makes it seem that Rome is taking away the punch bowl rather than admitting that some Life Teen liturgical practices have always been contra to the GIRM.
Posted by: John M at Jul 17, 2004 8:47:36 AM
Long overdue. The practice of pouty rebellion has been an American staple since the halcyon days of Marlon Brando in The Wild Ones. Sad to say, it often leads to a dissipated life- similar to what Brando led before his passing. Tell the LifeTeen kids that obedience to proper authority is actually good for them and be done with it. If accomplished, those pulled toward the movement will exceed the ones who exit the premises. And enjoy Brando's movies- without imitiating him off-screen
Posted by: Gerard E. at Jul 17, 2004 10:00:22 AM
I for the life of me can't understand the purpose of Life Teen at all. It's like feeding teens cotton candy when we could be giving them steak.
As a teenager, folk masses started to drive me away from the Church. It made mass feel so banal that I couldn't imagine it really was as majestic a sacrifice as it was supposed to be.
When I went to Franciscan University, things only devolved. The chapel there - which was in its trappings Calvinist at best - poured "Music Ministers" and "Eucharistic Ministers" (In shorts at times) into the sanctuary, while the priests stepped out of the sanctuary for their friendly homilies.
Once - only once - in my four years there, they had a visiting priest come to chant the Mass in Latin (evidently the 20 priests-in-residence were unable or unwilling), while accompanied by our oft invisible schola and an orchestra - performing Schubert's "Messe in G".
I wept. A 21 year old guy, sitting in this chapel just crying like a baby because I had, for the first time, felt like I had been to a real liturgy! I could perceive God in the accidentals, and so sought him in the substance of the Eucharistic Sacrifice.
No one taught me this - it was self-evident. Why can't we draw people into the faith with the real instead of the superficial - or was I just weirdly out of synch with my fellow young men and women?
Posted by: Steve Skojec at Jul 17, 2004 10:18:03 AM
Steve: "was I just weirdly out of synch with my fellow young men and women?"
Yes.
I know many young people who can't stand what you find moving. LifeTeen works for many people; it didn't for you. That doesn't mean it's not real or valuable.
Posted by: Michael at Jul 17, 2004 10:39:13 AM
Shy One wrote:
<
(I hope not..)>>
There's nothing bad at all about making sure that humility and a clear sense of the sacred are "built in" to a Life Teen mass. I'm not arguing against these corrective actions at all.
The obstacles will come, however, from people's natural resistance to change. They will also come from the general attitude of my community regarding the GIRM (some already call it "GIRM Warfare").
I believe it's a tremendous opportunity for catechesis regarding the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. I just pray that it doesn't pass us by.
In Christ,
Posted by: Keith Strohm at Jul 17, 2004 11:26:06 AM
John wrote:
<>
I respond"
John, I know, for example, that Life Teen received a special dispensation from our Bishop to gather around the altar during the Liturgy of the Eucharist, and I think that they must have received such dispensation in other diocese as well. Whether or not the bishop actually had the ability to offer that dispensation is a question I am not competent to answer.
However, what's important is that the Life Teen program is taking steps to move in full compliance with the GIRM and is doing so (at least officially) with a spirit of cheerful obedience. Nowhere in Fr. Dale's letter does it make it out that "Rome is taking something away from Life Teen" in a sour grapes kind of way.
In Christ,
Posted by: Keith Strohm at Jul 17, 2004 11:37:47 AM
I had a completely different experience than Steve at Franciscan University Masses as a student. In general, they were among the most reverent Masses I've ever attended. Franciscan must be doing something right to offer three Masses each weekday during the school year and have all of them packed with students. For that matter, confession lines were always very long as well. Did I forget to mention that the perpetual adoration chapel on campus is usually full of students on their knees in prayer? Franciscan University must be doing something really wrong! It all seems so "superficial," to quote Steve.
Posted by: CDO at Jul 17, 2004 11:53:55 AM
Gerard wrote:
<>
I respond:
If we simply did that we would lose the teaching opportunity presented to us by the changes we're making for the GIRM. Life Teen provides solid catechesis for the faith, and while it is true that obedience to proper authority is part of the catholic spiritual journey, I think that laypeople (including teens) should be offered an understanding of the 'why' behind things like the GIRM, so that we can have a deeper grasp of the richness and beauty of our faith.
This is not about triumphantly proclaiming that someone or something was "wrong" or "liturgically abusive," but rather about deepening the faith and communion of the Body of Christ, offering instruction and reconciliation.
If we simply said, "get over it, obedience is a virtue," I do not think that your analysis of more people entering than leaving the program would be valid.
We should speak the truth boldly, and with love.
In Christ,
Posted by: Keith Strohm at Jul 17, 2004 12:20:19 PM
I love seeing the kids go up around the altar during the Eucharistic prayer. The joy on their faces is a sign of Jesus' presence as much as any other part of the Mass.
I'm old enough to be the mother of those teens, but that's the Mass I choose to attend. I love the energy, the music, and seeing kids in love with Jesus. They're the future. They're our hope and our promise.
Posted by: andrea at Jul 17, 2004 12:47:51 PM
Steve,
no you're not wierdly out of sync - or if you are, there are many, many like you. The first time I went to a Latin Mass was my freshman year in college seminary. A couple of us went to St. Agnes parish in St. Paul, the 10:00 a.m. Latin Mass - ad orientem, with the full complement of vested ministers, the choirloft full of musicians singing and playing Beethoven's Mass in C - I couldn't help but cry. The transcendent beauty of it all, coupled by the feeling of "this is what I've been looking for - this is what I've been missing - why didn't anyone tell me this existed?" and sublime consolation from God.
There are more of us out here than many want to admit - the Tridentine Mass in Ottawa, Canada is packed every Sunday with young people and their families. And while the Church tends to bend over backward to accomodate those who are drawn to the guitars, hugs and egalitarian-style Masses, the slightest effort to include some chant, some Latin or discuss the direction the priest should face is met with such vehement hostility and unexplained rage.
I'm glad to see the LifeTeen folks embracing the liturgy as it's given to us by the Church - and of which everyone has the right in canon law to participate in a licit celebration. I'll pray that those have a difficult time accepting this have their hearts opened to the beauty of obedience.
Posted by: Tim Ferguson at Jul 17, 2004 2:21:42 PM
FUS's chapel also has images, up front, of Jesus Christ and the Mother of God (as well as the tabernacle in the Eucharistic chapel to the side). I would like it to be more beautiful, but calling it "Calvinist" is utterly absurd.
Posted by: Kevin Miller at Jul 17, 2004 2:41:27 PM
Steve,
I'm with you. The guitar Masses in the 70s pushed me away as well. They seemed to start up in earnest when I was about 13 or so and each week the banality was worse and worse for me... even at that young age, I knew something was wrong when the eternal Mass wasn't much different than a gathering of teenagers with guitars playing Peter, Paul & Mary or Bob Dylan (worse yet, Cat Stevens) while gathered together in the Church basement. It was as if the Sacrifice came second to the search for relevance or coolness. The homilies followed suit and the priests and now cadre of professional laity came in drips and drabs and finally a waterfall. I'm not one to pine over the loss of Latin or the Tridentine (although I do find it occasionally a soul filling experience and a connection with what has gone before) but the Life Teen Masses and extra stuff associated seems kind of out there in my experiences with them. The thing is, what does the kid do after age 18? Should the Mass be made relevant to different types of laity or should the laity be made relevant to the Mass?
It seems to me that Life Teen replaced the old "CYO" groups that mostly don't exist anymore for whatever reason.
Posted by: Colleen at Jul 17, 2004 2:50:13 PM
Peace, all.
The Good News is that we are more of a catholic Church, so expressions such as plainsong and LifeTeen can coexist in a wonderful and difficult place and lasso in people of various sensibilities, but yet can all call themselves "Catholic."
Personally, I dislike peas, but fortunately, I can happily consume other sorts of green vegetables to get my proper nourishment. I don't pout when people prefer peas, and rarely do they pout when I prefer spinach, beans, or even broccoli.
LifeTeen happily complying with IGRM sure puts Cardinal LeFebvre to shame, doesn't it? He wouldn't have been caught dead in a posture of obedience.
Posted by: Todd at Jul 17, 2004 2:56:25 PM
I'm 18 and I seriously cannot stand LifeTeen. If I want to go somewhere where I can hear "fun" music, I'll go to a club. Why do they have to dumb down the Mass for young people?
I also don't like how LifeTeen is admitting all this passively, like these are all somehow new directives from Rome. How about an admission that they defied the Liturgical law of the Church? Would that not be a very good example to the young? "We sinned. Let's repent, and do things the right way."
A lot of those involved with lifeteen have great faith and love for Christ. But it is not, IMO, a fruit of the "fun" masses they attend. It's what they themselves bring to those massess.
Posted by: Jason at Jul 17, 2004 3:09:46 PM
>>>"I don't pout when people prefer peas, and rarely do they pout when I prefer spinach, beans, or even broccoli."
Some things just don't belong in the Sacred Liturgy. And that includes most LifeTeen music, IMO.
Something that is fine outside of the Liturgy (like LifeTeen music) is not fine within the Liturgy. I love the writings of CS Lewis and GK Chesterton. They are great ways to strengthen your faith. But I don't want them being read at Mass. The Scriptures belong at mass, and sacred Liturgical mustic does as well.
Posted by: Jason at Jul 17, 2004 3:12:18 PM
Colleen wrote "The thing is, what does the kid do after age 18?"
Well, I suppose that they could continue attending the Life Teen Mass. :) Seriously, it's likely that many will go on to college and connect with a Campus Ministry Community. In the time that they have spent in the Life Teen program, however, they will have received: solid catechesis; spiritual formation; opportunities for participating in Eucharistic Adoration, the rosary, novenas and other specifically Catholic devotions; experience in praying with and for others.
All of these things will help prepare them to discern their own role in the mission of the Church and foster their growth as disciples of Christ. It will also, hopefully, prepare them for the trials and experiences of college life.
Colleen also wrote: "Should the Mass be made relevant to different types of laity or should the laity be made relevant to the Mass?"
I'm not sure what you are trying to say here (or rather, I should be honest and say that I am sure what you are trying to say but I disagree). Following your basic principle, why should the Church offer mass in the vernacular at all?
It's called "inculteration" and it's an attempt to transform teen culture from within. If Life Teen lies completely within the boundaries of the Church's official teaching and practice (as it will be with the changes made from the latest discussions with the Bishop and Cardinal Arinze), and it's fruits are tangibly positive, then what is the issue?
The fruits of Life Teen in our parish are profound. Our teens have a hunger and respect for the Eucharist that I have rarely seen among people their age, they generally have an authentic personal relationship with Jesus Christ, and they are eager to learn more of the richness and beauty of the Church's teachings.
It doesn't resemble at all the CYO programs that I remember experiencing as a young person...but others mileage may vary.
There is nothing "magical" about the LT program. It's just solid youth ministry rooted in the Eucharist and the teachings of the Church.
In Him,
Posted by: Keith Strohm at Jul 17, 2004 3:30:16 PM
Jason wrote: "I also don't like how LifeTeen is admitting all this passively, like these are all somehow new directives from Rome. How about an admission that they defied the Liturgical law of the Church? Would that not be a very good example to the young? "We sinned. Let's repent, and do things the right way."
Jason, I'm not quite sure that the Life Teen program has defied the law of the Church. It is my understanding that bishops have given special dispensation in the past for Life Teen liturgies. It appears that now they have been asked to move into full conformity with the GIRM--which they are doing without fuss in full obedience to the Church.
Jason also wrote: "A lot of those involved with lifeteen have great faith and love for Christ. But it is not, IMO, a fruit of the "fun" masses they attend. It's what they themselves bring to those massess."
I don't really know what you mean by "fun" masses. The masses that our youth attend are filled with a community that fully, actively, and consciously participates in the Eucharistic celebration. There is an "inentionality" demonstrated by those who attend the LT liturgies at my parish that is not only inspiring, it leads others to deeper worship and participation at mass as well.
Look, we're not perfect, there are lots of areas for improvement in my community; that's part of our call to continual conversion and growth in Christ.
I believe that it is exactly our teens' participation in the Eucharistic Celebration that has been the foundation for their growth in (and love of)Christ. All of the other aspects of the LT program flow from the Celebration of Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, and we know that as the "source and summit of our faith" that all of the "other sacraments, and indeed all ecclesiastical ministries and works of the apostolate, are bound up with the Eucharist and are oriented toward it. For in the blessed Eucharist is contained the whole spiritual good of the Church, namely Christ himself . . ." (CCC 1324).
The Life Teen liturgies you have experienced may definitely have been "fun" and lack solemnity, and certainly the LT program is not for everyone, but when I look at the fruits of LT, the depth of conversion, the hunger for the Eucharist, the spiritual life of the teens' (and the rest of our community) which has been fanned into flame by the Holy Spirit, I cannot join others in saying that it is simply "cotton candy" or, worse, "abusive and wrong."
In Christ,
Posted by: Keith Strohm at Jul 17, 2004 3:56:02 PM
"Seriously, it's likely that many will go on to college and connect with a Campus Ministry Community. In the time that they have spent in the Life Teen program, however, they will have received: solid catechesis; spiritual formation; opportunities for participating in Eucharistic Adoration, the rosary, novenas and other specifically Catholic devotions; experience in praying with and for others."
I hope they will have received all of that from LifeTeen (or anywhere else), because they will need all of that to endure certain lupine manifestations of the Campus Ministry Community(tm), should they connect with one. (As an ex-campus minister, I should know.)
Posted by: still scandalized at Jul 17, 2004 5:35:16 PM
>>>"when I look at the fruits of LT...I cannot join others in saying that it is simply "cotton candy" or, worse, "abusive and wrong."
I would say that God can work wonders, even in the midst of mediocrity. Though I certainly join you in rejoicing in the zeal of many LT members.
Posted by: Jason at Jul 17, 2004 5:43:08 PM
Not sure, Todd, but I don't think Lefebvre was a Cardinal. Archbishop, yes. Anyone else have better info?
Posted by: Tom Harmon at Jul 17, 2004 5:48:15 PM
>>>"It's called "inculteration" and it's an attempt to transform teen culture from within. If Life Teen lies completely within the boundaries of the Church's official teaching and practice"
I don't think "teen culture" can be included under legitimate attempts at inculturation. Are we going to include "elderly culture" in mass? Maybe we can get some crocheting in the mix. Baby culture? Will we start wearing bibs to mass? I mean, how far does all this go? Inculturation is meant for a legitimate, societal culture. Even then, it must be cleansed from all things incompatible with Christianity and the Liturgy.
Posted by: Jason at Jul 17, 2004 7:09:10 PM
Keith, your Life Teen ministry may well indeed inspire a love of God and a longing to be a saint. I can only go by the experiences that I have had in my local area (Massachusetts) in particular, two parishes which have flourishing Life Teen programs. What I've personally witnessed in both of those places was appalling... plus, there were many kids who weren't even Catholic and therefore, the people running the program 'dumbed' it down so not to offend those non-Catholics. Aside of the Mass which included total participation of the kids (and most of the participation was certainly GIRM violations) the music was more 'pop' and 'me' centered. But catchy. The programs focused on what was the next outing (beach, six-flags, picnic, movies, etc.) and not much else besides the inclusive Mass. I haven't been to the local Life Teen Mass but several kids my daughter attends school with do go. The kids don't like it because they feel condescended to (same way I felt as a teen in the 70s) but their parents (my age, 40s) really like it and they go as a family. One of the kids asked me to take him to Mass sometime so he could hear chant and traditional hymns - he knows we very occasionally attend the Tridentine - his dad wants to go with us as well but the mom is the driving force behind attending the Life Teen Mass.
I'd really like to see some kind of study done to find out how many 'Life Teen' kids stick with the faith when they are old enough to make the decision to attend Mass or not. Again, from my experience here, Life Teen is more of a social gathering... is that the fault of the program or the local program leaders? I dunno. All I know is what I've seen and heard.
Todd... is the Mass sacred or not? Forget the peas. Should the Mass be bent and molded to fit what others think those others will like and be attracted to? Isn't faith a gift nurtured along by prayer and silence and reverence? I think Jason articulated it well in his last post, last paragraph.
Posted by: Colleen at Jul 17, 2004 7:32:52 PM
Colleen,
Yes, we definitely have different LT experiences. Our program does not water down the teachings of the Church or the expression of our faith. Through the grace of the Holy Spirit, we are forming young, orthodox lay people who actively discern what they are called to do with their lives.
Like I said earlier, there's no "magic" in Life Teen. It's just good youth ministry. If parishes don't spend time forming their youth ministers to work with teens, if prayer and the Eucharist aren't at the center of the ministry, then the LT program by itself won't avail them anything.
Let's prayer for our youth--and our whole Church!
In Him,
Posted by: Keith Strohm at Jul 17, 2004 8:09:31 PM
