Teen Mass attendees and adult leaders having fun during last month’s event.
We began offering a monthly Teen Mass in 2022. Each month as we gather to worship together this small community of believers grows stronger in their faith and deepens their connection to one another. For me, serving as an adult leader, I am grateful for the opportunity to foster discipleship among the parish youth and for the friendships that have blossomed with the other adult leaders. Recently I interviewed a few of the teens on their experience:
What was your first impression of the Teen Mass?
My first impression was that Teen Mass was a great place to meet new people and make friends because everyone is kind and sincere. I appreciate that a different activity follows each Mass, and I always feel included and involved. I love seeing new people each month! Ella LaMonte, Sophomore HMHS
What do you look forward to with these Masses/Hangouts?
I look forward to the food, catching up with people, and the times when everybody is just having fun and you can lose yourself in the moment. Thomas Coelho Freshman St. Joe’s Prep
How has the Teen Mass helped you on your faith journey?
Our Teen Masses have helped my faith journey by keeping me involved with God, now that I go to a public school. At CKRS, we frequently had prayer services and Masses. At my high school I don’t have that built into my daily schedule… so I’m very grateful to be a part of this wonderful group! Gracie Sokoloff, Senior GCIT
What would you say to other teens who haven’t tried out the Teen Mass/Hangout yet?
You’re missing out – it’s a lot of fun! Will Barker, Freshman HMHS
Veronica Spilker is the Coordinator of Evangelization
Mass on November 17 followed by Friendsgiving in Morgan Hall is open to all students in grades 9-12. Reach out Veronica Spilker for more information on all events or to become an adult leader.
We Remember, We Celebrate, We Believe
Abby, pictured with her son Liam, a student at CKRS, enjoying themselves at hospitality after last week’s Family Mass.
The Mass of Remembrance is one of the most beautiful Catholic Masses in our liturgical calendar. Each November, we honor the lives of the parishioners who have gone to their eternal rest.
When a loved one passes, there are immediate tasks at hand, and decisions are made at a rapid speed, many of which are related to the funeral Mass itself. Once that day passes and life has quieted, feelings of isolation compounded by the reality of a new existence bring about different kinds of grief. The Mass of Remembrance offers an opportunity for grieving families and friends to come together with others who are on a similar journey. During the Mass, a peaceful comfort comes when hearing their loved one’s name read aloud, seeing the candle lit in their memory, and their name inscribed on the memorial board. Each of these traditions reminds us that death is not final, there is life after death in Jesus, and that the memory of our loved ones lives on. Christ the King celebrated the Mass of Remembrance on November 4, and we honored thirty-nine souls and provided community to their families and friends. Along with the names on the altar, the hand-painted memorial board remains displayed throughout the month of November as a reminder to continue praying for their souls and the souls of all the faithfully departed.
An event such as the Mass of Remembrance is only possible with preparation from our outstanding team at Christ the King. Our bereavement ministers work year-round, walking with grieving families throughout the funeral planning process and supporting them on the day of the funeral. Our liturgy and music team ensures that the Mass runs smoothly and is prepared carefully and thoughtfully. The Altar and Environment ministry brings beauty to our celebration with elegant floral displays. Special thanks go to Joan Sandell, who graciously shared her time and calligraphy talent to prepare the memorial board and personalized candles artfully, and to Sharon Parker and Arlene Boerum for the beautiful cornucopia display. Arlene has led the CTK Altar and Environment ministry for many years and is now training Sharon Parker for leadership. Ministry roles are available no matter where you may be in your faith journey or how much time you have to offer. Consider growing your faith by giving your time in service to the Lord.
Abby Walsh joined our pastoral staff in January as the Director of Liturgy and Music. She is busy revitalizing the Adult choir who recently performed at the biannual Diocesan Marian Pilgrimage at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC.
Contact Abby Walsh, Director of Liturgy and Music for information on serving with the Altar and Environment ministry. Based on an individual’s availability, the time commitment of a member varies from weekly to monthly to seasonal.