This Youth Ministry initiative is in conjunction with the second objective under the Creating an Enriching and Meaningful Worship Experience goal of our Next Generation Parish initiatives. Last August we offered an update on each of the goals and objectives. The update for the Youth Ministry was as follows:
School liturgies frequently feature the talents of the students. Students are lectors, cantors, gift presenters, altar servers, and they coordinate the music for the Mass.
It is natural that a school Mass would feature the talents of its members. Our First Friday Masses at Notre Dame de Lourdes are coordinated at the grade level with students from that grade participating in various roles in the liturgy. While the Mass features the talents of our youngest members it is still a parish Mass and a parish celebration.
The goal for the Youth Mass is to strive to bring our middle school and high school population closer to Jesus. The designated Youth Mass will have middle and high schoolers serve as ushers, offertory gift bearers, and lectors of the Word. The hope is that this experience will propel them into active participation within our four scheduled weekend Masses.
The strength of a parish includes statistics based on Mass attendance and finances. The vibrancy of a parish is based on its activities and the robust nature of its participants. We look forward to showcasing the talents of our young parishioners as we join as one to worship and praise the Lord.
Throughout the course of this past year, we have experienced the vibrancy and the recognition of our school choir who received accolades as the winner of the B-101 Christmas Concert. This recognition led to the choir being honored with performing our National Anthem before the Phillies game on 5 June. Several other young parishioners serve our parish community within the liturgy and through missionary and service programs.
It has always been our desire to invite our young parishioners to assume active roles within our parish. Yet, this increased level of participation requires formation and spiritual guidance as they transition from post-Confirmation into active Catholic young adulthood. Therefore, the broad scope of this ministry – confident leadership combined with sound spirituality – should naturally be formed in a retreat-like setting which will lead to full engagement within our parish.
Mass Readings and reflection questions for the Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time – Cycle “A” – 12 July 2026
Isaiah 55:10-11 – In what areas of your life do you need the rain and the snow to come down? How many inches or feet do you need? / What is the end for which you were sent?
Responsorial Psalm 65:10, 11, 12-13, 14 – R. The seed that falls on good ground will yield a fruitful harvest. -Describe how you are yielding a fruitful harvest. / Do you allow your seed to fall to the ground or are you more selective with where your blessings land? / Describe the ways that God has enriched your life. At this mid-point of the year, how has the Lord crowned your year with bounty? / Compare and contrast this Psalm with the 23rd Psalm.
Romans 8:18-23 – What are your eager expectations? Cooperating with God, how can those expectations be met? / What fruits of the Spirit do you have? How ripe are they? / What do your groanings sound like? Do you trust that God listens to them?
Matthew 13:1-23 – What is your favorite shore-town? Why? / What seeds of yours have fallen… on the path? On rocky ground? Among thorns? Have you replanted those seeds or discarded them? / Why does Jesus speak in parables? Which parable most resonates with you? / Who are the people that “hear but do not understand, or look but never see?” How can you help them with their healing? / Compare and contrast this parable with today’s first reading and psalm.