Life Teen Model of Youth Liturgy is Under Modifications

Sep 08, 2004 07:33 PM EDT

According to a report last month, LIFE TEEN, a leading international youth ministry, is expecting to have modifications within its model of youth Liturgies this coming October to enhance uniformity in the Church.

Life Teen is known for its dynamic Masses which are celebrated in a way that relates to teenagers and their families through quality liturgical implementation including relevant music, teen lectors and servers, and homilies geared for teens.

Under new instruction of “General Instruction of the Roman Missal” (GIRM), LIFE TEEN will modify some of its liturgical practices such as the inclusion of silent period at the beginning of Mass and a bow of the head after the words of consecration and before receiving communion. One of the most significant and visible modifications discontinues teens from circling the altar during the Eucharistic prayer.

In a letter written to Priests and Youth Leaders, LIFE TEEN’s founder, Msgr. Dale Fushek stated, "As the founder of this youth movement, I am writing to confirm our adherence to the new GIRM, and as always, our joyful 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 changes."

For nearly two years, LIFE TEEN has worked in conjunction with the United States Council of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) regarding impending modifications, specifically on how changes should be implemented within parishes with the LIFE TEEN ministry.