LIFE TEEN is a National Catholic Youth Ministry program that was launched in 1985 in Phoenix Arizona by Father Dale Fushek. It is now used in over 850 parishes around the world and continues to grow in popularity. LIFE TEEN focuses on transformation rather than formation, in other words it aims at the heart rather than just the intellect. LIFE TEEN is a comprehensive high school youth ministry program with an emphasis on the Mass. Starting with a weekly LIFE TEEN Mass, high school teens are placed in an environment where they have the opportunity to experience the Eucharist, the greatest gift given to the Church. Immediately following the Mass, teens gather for a LIFE Night to learn about their faith in challenging and interactive ways. LIFE TEEN is successful in 100's of parishes worldwide because it reaches teens on all levels: emotional, intellectual, spiritual, and relational. Teens are drawn into relationship with Jesus Christ. The LIFE TEEN Mass is a vibrant liturgy that speaks directly to young people. The music, homily, and physical environment are all planned with the youth in mind. LIFE Nights are educational nights that follow the Mass and teach the topics outlined in the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Each lesson is presented in a large group setting with many visual and interactive elements to keep the teens involved. The approach is unique but the message is the same. Parents support LIFE TEEN through their participation in parent groups that assist in the overall facilitation of the program. Some of the parent committees include: Hospitality and Snacks & the Prayer Team. Who runs LIFE TEEN? The Parish Priest(s), youth minister(s), and music minister work together to coordinate the program. The true manpower comes from a group of creative volunteers known as the LIFE TEEN Core Team. The LIFE TEEN Core Team is made up of adults who love God, love their Catholic faith, and love Teens. Core members are usually not parents of the teens because LIFE TEEN is a relational ministry that calls adults from the parish to answer their Baptismal call and assist parents in mentoring the next generation of Catholics. Parents already have a primary role in shaping the lives of their teens, but teens need as many strong Christian role models as they can get. If you have additional questions about LIFE TEEN or the Core, or you would like to visit a LIFE Night, contact Rachel Kollhoff at 972-279-6581 ext 17.
What is LIFE TEEN?