Most of us have spent every Sunday of our lives wiping the sleep from our eyes and cramming into pews for what the Church calls the highest form of prayer, the Mass. This high and ancient worship holds a unique place as simultaneously the most common yet most misunderstood thing to most Catholics.

What is the purpose of praying in unison? Why is it that Mass is the same every week? What’s with all the standing, sitting, and kneeling anyway?

The questions that surround the Mass are many, but we still claim that it is quite literally heaven on earth. These questions are what our high school youth have been digging into all semester at LIFE TEEN – the youth ministry program for St. Croix Valley Faith Formation.

While celebrating the sacred liturgy, Fr. Wenthe will be periodically stopping to explain the roots of our worship, actions, and prayers helping to draw us into a deeper understanding of the indescribable gift which is the Mass. Music will be provided by Mike Williams of NET Ministries, along with several of our own youth.

How many times have we all gone to Mass and missed the miracle of Christ physically entering into our lives through the Eucharist? Take some time, and bring your family to delve into to the deep mystery that we call the Paschal Mystery. Whether you are 15 or 85, please accept this invitation from our parishes’ youth to join us in worship; join us in learning of the immense love of God; join us in this Eucharistic feast.

Annie Fochtman
Coordinator of Youth Ministry & Confirmation
St. Croix Valley Faith Formation