In our predominantly Catholic Filipino society, our faith is deeply embedded in our culture not only as a religion, but also as a lifestyle. From an early age, we were reared reciting the rosary, praying before eating, and even going to mass on a weekly basis. Many of us do it since that is what is expected from the “ideal Catholic,” but even more of us still do not understand why we do the things that we do, as Catholics.
It was routine. It was assumed. We may not understand it, but we do it because that is what good Catholics do.
Many younger Catholics hold this mentality. As how our parents were brought to church by our grandparents, our parents also brought us weekly with just the expectation to just attend mass. Rarely did they explain the importance of the liturgy beyond the basis of doing it for our faith, since their parents never explained it to them either. The prodigal mind of a teenager is bound to be resistant to such reasoning. So how do we make them understand the significance, depth and beauty of how the holy mass impacts the core of our souls? How do we open their hearts to embracing the true meaning behind the Eucharist? How do we make teenagers attend mass?
First point. Live by faith, not by expectation. Show, not tell.
True evangelization comes when one transitions from reciting prayers to understanding why you pray to God. But this is a long process, and one that must not be rushed. Forcing a teenager to go to attend mass will not change their lack of interest, and might even increase the resistance to do so. So instead of burdening them with what they should do and whythey should care, you should show them who the Lord is.
By living like how He lived in the gospels, by showing your reverence to the holy Eucharist, teenagers too will begin to do and care because they themselves will finally begin to understand who the He is.
Second point. Make an effort. Be prepared to do the work.
Making a teenager go to mass with initiative is a process that must not be rushed. To foster a teenager’s love for the Eucharist, you must be prepared to make an effort to make it happen.
Work to be a consistent example to your teenager. Raise them to live like how Christ had lived. Never tire and do not give up on them. And if you feel like you need help, do not be afraid to ask other members of the Catholic Church for catechetical advice.
Third point. Understand the meaning. Preach the word.
Understanding the word of God creates a path for a more meaningful celebration of the holy mass. Do not be afraid to discuss the scripture with teenagers, for it is the truth of the word and the testament of God’s love.
Discuss the meaning of the psalms and the readings, discuss the truth behind the liturgy of the word, and discuss how Christ lived and how He died, and how He had risen again; that by receiving the body and blood of Christ, we are closer to being with Him more than ever.
Fourth point. Be dedicated. Be continuous. Be patient. Be kind.
Consistency plays a massive role in cultivating faith. For a teenager to develop a true and deep love for the Eucharist, you must continuously give guidance. You must never give up; you must toil and persevere. Engage with them, talk with them, and ask them what they do not understand about the celebration of the holy Eucharist. Remember to be kind and Christ-like; do not condemn and threaten. Be a bright beacon that will continuously show them the significance, depth and beauty of the Eucharist. Slowly but surely, they will eagerlyfollow you to mass.
Fifth point. Engage and participate. Change the mindset.
Create an environment that will allow concentration and participation during mass. Wake up early and practice gettingto church before the mass starts. Encourage them to participate by singing with the choir and responding with the community.
It is paramount that the message behind your actions is clear: that attending mass is not just an obligation; it is an important celebration. It is not meant to be entertaining; it is meant to be formal. By bringing the family early, you instil that the mass is relevant and crucial. By sitting in front, you bring your teenagers closer to the altar, the priest, and the solemnities of the Eucharist. Teenagers need a sense of belongingness. And by being a participant and not an outlier sitting on the edge of the church, they can feel closer with God.
Sixth point. Pray with meaning. Offer with purpose.
There are five forms of prayer: adoration, penitence, petition, thanksgiving, and intercession. And by attending mass, you pray in all five forms. Always remember to set an intention before the mass, whether it be of praise, forgiveness, or anything else, and do not be afraid to share it with your teenagers. Show them that attending mass is not an idle routine, but rather, is full of purpose and personal meaning.
Seventh point. Strive to be closer to God. Remain a student of faith.
To make someone understand and love attending mass and the Eucharist, you yourself must continuously love and understand the Catholic faith. Continue reading the Bible, and listen well to the priest’s homilies. Ask questions to Catholic ministers if you need some help in learning. And most of all, always seek guidance from the Lord our God, for it is only through Him that we can live a truly Christ-like life. Maria Gia Dueñas
