As young Christians… you are not only a part of the future of the Church; you are also a necessary and beloved part of the Church’s present! You are the Church’s present!
-Pope Francis, Homily at the Closing Mass for the 6th Asian Youth Day, August 2014
Pope Francis reminds us that young people are not just a part of the Church’s future, but an important and much-needed part of the Church’s present. Here at the St. John-St. Paul Collaborative, we are conscious of this reminder as we work together with our young people to renew and strengthen their connections to God, to the Church, to their parish, to the wider community, and to each other.
About the Sunday 5pm Mass
Our Sunday 5pm Mass is a deliberately youth-centered liturgy, with our young people central to and actively involved in all aspects of the Mass. From the music, to the homilies, to the Spirit-filled sense of vibrancy and joy, we are prayerfully approaching a liturgy that touches the hearts and minds of our young people and all who come to celebrate the Mass together. Our hope is that this full, active participation in the liturgy of the Eucharist – the source and summit of Christian life – will foster in our young people a lived connection to Christ Jesus and the community of the Church, and help them to grow in faith as young adults.
Our Sunday 5pm Mass is a truly collaborative liturgy, normally moving from week to week between St. John Church and St. Paul Church from mid-September through mid-May:
On the 1st, 3rd and 5th Sundays of the month, the Sunday 5pm Mass is at St. John Church
On the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month, the Sunday 5pm Mass is at St. Paul Church
Sunday 5pm Mass Music Group
All high school students are invited and encouraged to join the Music Group for the Sunday 5pm Mass. The music group is a fun and easy-going group and all are welcome. You can use participation in this group for Confirmation service hours or school service requirements.
Most importantly, your participation will serve to help the faith journey of your peers and the wider community, as well as your own! We gather each week at 4:00pm to rehearse before Mass – please join us!
For more information, email Christian Wilson or Katie Mears Wilson, or feel free to chat with them after Mass!
Please visit the Sunday 5pm Youth Mass Calendar page for a calendar that displays the complete schedule – you can view, print, and subscribe to the Google calendar.
All are encouraged to experience and support this initiative with their prayers and their presence.