When the students come marching in

One of my responsibilities as pastor of this parish is to forge links with the young people who frequent the schools in this area. Students from one of the neighbouring high schools came down to the church today to attend the parish Mass.

It's important that we allow the students to see other parishioners in action, as they attend the Mass together, and it's equally important that we allow the parishioners to interact with the students. Sometimes this means that there are a few who are (just a little bit) put out by the disruptions to their regular routines but it takes an entire community to raise a child, and children themselves are more than willing to share their enthusiasm with us, something that we are sometimes afraid of even though we might want to be the most welcoming.

Today, these students brought their talents as well as their enthusiasm. As the first group arrived in the church and moved immediately into the choir loft, it didn't take long for them to begin 'practicing' the songs they would lead during the Mass, even if this would interrupt the recitation of the rosary (something that others do almost by rote every day in this place). Then again, the newcomers didn't have a clue about the 'normal routines' or they might have joined in as well.

Those who thought that they might be in for a quiet noon hour encounter must have been surprised (to say the least) to find themselves engulfed in the midst of more than 500 bodies, including the students and staff from the school. Each student who entered the church received a programme, including an outline of the liturgy and relevant responses which they were encouraged to recite at the appropriate times. I'm not sure that the adults in the crowd also received these aides, but it's entirely possible that some may have accepted them out of curiosity at the very least.

Eucharistic celebrations with youth are always wonderful opportunities both to do some catechising (which can be accomplished with words if necessary), and to encourage active participation. At times, this means that there can be a few surprises, but then again, that's what happens when things are live, and when there is life to be celebrated.

Hopefully, this community has provided a gift to the students who came to pray with us. I know as well that they have shared the gift of their faith, with all its quirks and unexpected turns and twists, with those who come often to find solace, sanctuary and silence here. For all this, we are thankful.