Remain Calm

A note... I have been invited to be a "Guest Responder" in an Online Course on Youth Ministry and the Transition of the New Translation of the Roman Missal (Wow, thats a mouthful) sponsored by my very good friends at the Ministry Training Source. I am reposting my blogs and responses here on the GregBlog... I hope they are useful!

In my almost 23 years in Youth Ministry, and now into my second year in serving the Liturgy, I have certainly learned of the fine line between best laid plans and actual outcomes. I've also been a part of those awesome prayer opportunities and those less than stellar experiences as well, where I solidified the young person's mindset that "church IS boring". Nevertheless, I am excited about the opportunity that lies before us to truly break open what the MASS can truly be for our young people and the many that serve them, especially their families!

Recently I was sent an article by famed composer David Haas. Entitled "Beyond Words", this article is really rooted in an attitude that calls us to "remain calm", and let the Spirit begin to do its work in bringing the english speaking Church towards a greater sense of connection with the power of the Eucharistic Feast, and the fullness of how God will speak to us through His Word, and from His table! I encourage you to read the article and comment on the following basic areas of concern when planning this transition that begins in a few shorts months.

1. Think about the power of words, especially from the perspective of young people... How can we identify the differences between casual and formal language in our ministry? What prayers and programs can we offer that identifies and utilizes each to break open the depths of God's Word and His message to all?

2. The article challenges us "not to over catechize"! How are we to break open the rich heritage of the Mass and the opportunity that comes with this New Translation without over doing it?

3. Brainstorm some ways that we can establish a long-term plan and approach to aiding our youth in growing with this New Translation. A

lso, brainstorm some ideas that could meet Hass' challenge to "celebrate the liturgy well", including opportunities within youth group, mentoring and scripture study settings that can embrace the nature of the purpose for the New Translation.

One of my weakness in ministry is that I tend to over-simplify things, neglecting the possibility that young people (and old alike) really do thirst for the specifics, and the reasons behind change. That baboon in the Lion King, Rafiki, when he hits Simba on the head with his really cool stick, reassures him (and us) that "change is difficult". And while this may be true, and I while may be over simplifying it all, a workshop I attended on the subject labeled the transition as "eating in the dining room"! That helped it all make sense to me. I don't know about your family, but when I was growing up, we only used the dining room on special occasions. This meant we had to dress nice, put those special napkins on out laps, use the nice plates, and of course "sit up straight"! When I was a kid, this all seemed a little silly, so I know how young people (and old alike) will feel when we're asked to use the fancy words, when its easier to just use a word that everyone understands. But, there in lies the opportunity... We enter a special place, where we can seize the opportunity to help make worship something extra special!

David Hass reminds us that participating in the wonderful transition is truly "More Than Words", which, if you recall, was also an awesome song by the early 90's "One Hit Wonder" group Extreme. Enjoy the course! :)