Gathering in the youth and young adults

By William T. Clew | The Catholic Free Press

Once a month Timothy T. Messenger Jr. becomes a mob boss.
Sort of, and in a good way. His mobs go to Mass.
Mr. Messenger is diocesan director of the youth and young adult ministry, New Evangelization Worcester for Youth & Young Adults. One of the many activities that office plans is a Mass Mob.    
A Mass Mob is a gathering of young adults who attend a Mass and receive Communion at a different church each month, usually on a Saturday afternoon, after which they get together and socialize.
Several days before the event Mr. Messenger checks with the selected parish to see if the event meets with the pastor’s approval. It usually does, he said. In fact, some pastors ask for them.
The heads-up lets the pastor know that there will be new faces at the Mass and allows him to make sure extra hosts are consecrated to serve the expected increase in number of people receiving Communion.
Mr. Messenger then sends out the word - time and place - by Facebook, Flocknote and email. Everyone is welcome.
The first Mass Mob was held in January at St. Paul Cathedral, Mr. Messenger said.  It drew 30 to 40 people. Now from 10 to 15 take part in the monthly Mass.
That is just one of the ministry events sponsored by the office. The office gets financial support from the diocese, the annual Partners in Charity Appeal and from fees collected from those who take part in the various events.
Mr. Messenger said the office’s mission is three-fold. It plans and conducts programs for youngsters in middle school (Grades 6-8), youths in high school (Grades 9-12), and young adults age 18-39.
Last year one of those events, a youth rally in the fall for those in Grades 9-12, drew about 600 participants, he said. About 500 youngsters in Grades 6-8 took part in a spring rally.
Those rallies last four or five hours and are high energy, with music, prayer and talks, he said.
A Steubenville East conference will be at the Tsongas Center at UMass Lowell July 13-15. Mr. Messenger said there is a diocesan group of about 50 along with high school students from parishes in the Worcester Diocese who plan to attend. The fee is $250 per person.
The diocese provides five scholarships for young people who attend a LEAD retreat. LEAD stands for Leadership, Evangelization and Discipleship. It is geared toward teens who have exemplified or acknowledged a desire to lead in their own parishes, according to the Steubenville East website.
 The Steubenville East conference is described as a charismatic event with Mass, eucharistic adoration,  music, lectures and fun events each day. According to the conference website, there are five conferences at the Franciscan University of Steubenville, Ohio, where the program started, and 20 regional conferences across North America, including one in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
The youth and young adult ministry also sponsors Theology on Tap, a monthly gathering for those 18-39 at the Compass Tavern on Harding Street.
Here is how the diocesan Facebook notice describes Theology on Tap:
“Theology on Tap is a gathering for young adults (ages 18-39) that provides an informal and laid-back atmosphere to meet other young adults, encounter Christ, and dive deeper into various topics and real-life issues that relate to our faith.
“Whether you are devout in your faith or haven’t set foot in a church in years (or never!), Theology on Tap is the perfect place for you! All are welcome! Cost is free!!! (Appetizers/dinner and drinks are available for purchase.)
“Must be 18 or over to attend. Must be 21 or over to purchase and consume alcohol.
“Doors open at 6:30 for drinks and food. The speaker will begin around 7:15 p.m. and there will be time for Q&A afterwards. Then feel free to stay as long as you’d like, grab some more food, and hang out with some awesome people.”
The last gathering, June 5, drew 40 to 45 people, Mr. Messenger said. Father José A. Rodríguez, pastor of Holy Family of Nazareth Parish in Leominster was speaker. The topic was “Genetic Editing: Correcting Mutations and Designing my Child.” Mr. Messenger said there was a good discussion and good questions from the attendees.    
There is a basketball league for high-school-age players in the winter and volleyball in the summer.
There were 21 teams in the basketball league, which plays its games at the Mount Carmel Recreation Center. He said about 20 middle school teams played at St. Leo Parish gym in Leominster to qualify for the New England tournament.
The youth ministry office also holds retreats for young people getting ready for confirmation, supports Catholic Scout troops and, on Aug. 3 and 4 will hold a retreat for young people 18-39 years old. The retreat will be at the Immaculate Conception Retreat Center in Putnam, Conn. The theme is “Renewed through the Wilderness.” The fee is $50.
Mr. Messenger also meets with pastors, helps parishes with training for youth ministers and, he said, gives whatever help they want.
Mr. Messenger, last week, announced a new series of diocesan youth ministry events that are set to being in September.  Called “Amplify,” these gatherings are open to all youth in grades 9-12. The events will consist of dinner, games and community, a speaker, and will conclude with eucharistic adoration and reconciliation, he stated.
Those wishing to contact the diocesan Office for Youth and Young Adults may do so by calling 508-929-4360 or emailing tmessenger@worcesterdiocese.org.