LIFE TEEN
Encyclopedia
Life Teen, Inc. is a Catholic youth ministry
organization and movement
originating in the United States
. It was established in 1985 at St. Timothy's Parish in Mesa, Arizona
to "lead teens closer to Christ." Life Teen believes that "Eucharist-based ministry has the power to transform teens, transform parishes, and transform culture."
Life Teen is known primarily for their parish-based Life Teen program for high school teenagers that is used by over 1200 Catholic parishes around the world. In 2003, they launched a national Edge program for junior high kids which is now used by almost 500 parishes.The most important part of every Life Teen and Edge program is the Youth Mass. Key parts of a youth Mass is a welcoming atmosphere, reverent and relevant music, and an engaging homily that speaks to the issues in teens lives. But most importantly, the youth Mass remains sacred and timeless. Life Nights are the Sunday youth ministry nights that are aimed to be both fun and challenge teens to go deeper in their relationship with God and to know more about their Catholic faith. Every Life Teen and Edge program is encouraged to host two weekend-long retreats for their teens. Why? Because we know that you need a chance to get away from the dramas of ordinary life and spend a few days to spend time with God and with their Catholic community of friends.
Life Teen began as a plan aimed to revolutionize youth ministry and bring the message of Jesus Christ to teenagers in a way they could understand it. It was decided that a new approach was needed to evangelize the Catholic
youth
in their area. According to Life Teen sources, they now have over 1100 individual programs in the United States and around the world. Life Teen programs are typically established in individual parish
es.
The name Life Teen is trademarked. According to the Life Teen Inc's convention, the name should be spelled as two words and as seen as follows, "Life Teen".
One of the founders of the movement, then Fr. Dale Fushek
, was later excommunicated and laicized following an abuse scandal and opening of a non-denominational worship center in the Phoenix area.
In 2005 there was a controversy surrounding one of the organization's founders, Dale Fushek
, who was accused of sexual contact with several youths. In 2008, he was excommunicated
for founding an independent worship center in defiance of his bishop's order to cease all ministry work. In February of 2010 he was laicized. In April of 2010, Dale Fushek pled guilty to a misdemeanor assault charge involving inappropriate contact with a young man. The prosecution dropped an allegation that the contact was sexually motivated, meaning Dale Fushek was not required to register as a sex offender.
Life Teen's President, Randy Raus, recently encouraged prayer:
"I want to assure you as the President of Life Teen, that it has been over five years since Dale Fushek has been involved with the movement of Life Teen. We continue to pray for all involved and for healing. Again, the movement of Life Teen is in full support of Pope Benedict XVI, Bishop Olmsted and the Diocese of Phoenix in these matters. We are thankful to Bishop Olmsted for his continued support and guidance over the past few years. Life Teen faithfully and enthusiastically serves the Roman Catholic Church in complete obedience to the Magisterium and strict fidelity to Church teachings."
.
Following Mass, a "Life Night" is held, which incorporates teaching in Catholic beliefs, interactive activities, and socialization. Life Nights cover catechetical, social and issue related nights that are 100% Catholic and comprehensive.
Most Life Teen Programs utilize multiple events during the week, such as Bible Studies, Social Events, and the like to provide teenagers with healthy and holy activities to take part in during the week that will not only strengthen their bonds with each other, but will strengthen their relationship with God as well.
Edge Nights occur once every week during the school year, and also has social and recreational activities designed to create a greater sense of community amongst Middle School Youth. In addition, several national Edge Summer Camps are held in Georgia, Arizona, and Missouri.
Parents LIFE is facilitated by the parents themselves. One person or a couple coordinates the overall parent ministry to insure consistency. The leader/leaders are under the direction of the Pastor or the Youth Minister.
Youth ministry
Youth ministry, also commonly referred to as Youth group, is an age-specific religious ministry and is the way in which a faith group, or other religious organization involves and engages with the young people who attend its place of worship, or live in its community...
organization and movement
Social movement
Social movements are a type of group action. They are large informal groupings of individuals or organizations focused on specific political or social issues, in other words, on carrying out, resisting or undoing a social change....
originating in the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. It was established in 1985 at St. Timothy's Parish in Mesa, Arizona
Mesa, Arizona
According to the 2010 Census, the racial composition of Mesa was as follows:* White: 77.1% * Hispanic or Latino : 26.54%* Black or African American: 3.5%* Two or more races: 3.4%* Native American: 2.4%...
to "lead teens closer to Christ." Life Teen believes that "Eucharist-based ministry has the power to transform teens, transform parishes, and transform culture."
Life Teen is known primarily for their parish-based Life Teen program for high school teenagers that is used by over 1200 Catholic parishes around the world. In 2003, they launched a national Edge program for junior high kids which is now used by almost 500 parishes.The most important part of every Life Teen and Edge program is the Youth Mass. Key parts of a youth Mass is a welcoming atmosphere, reverent and relevant music, and an engaging homily that speaks to the issues in teens lives. But most importantly, the youth Mass remains sacred and timeless. Life Nights are the Sunday youth ministry nights that are aimed to be both fun and challenge teens to go deeper in their relationship with God and to know more about their Catholic faith. Every Life Teen and Edge program is encouraged to host two weekend-long retreats for their teens. Why? Because we know that you need a chance to get away from the dramas of ordinary life and spend a few days to spend time with God and with their Catholic community of friends.
Life Teen began as a plan aimed to revolutionize youth ministry and bring the message of Jesus Christ to teenagers in a way they could understand it. It was decided that a new approach was needed to evangelize the Catholic
Catholic
The word catholic comes from the Greek phrase , meaning "on the whole," "according to the whole" or "in general", and is a combination of the Greek words meaning "about" and meaning "whole"...
youth
Youth
Youth is the time of life between childhood and adulthood . Definitions of the specific age range that constitutes youth vary. An individual's actual maturity may not correspond to their chronological age, as immature individuals could exist at all ages.-Usage:Around the world, the terms "youth",...
in their area. According to Life Teen sources, they now have over 1100 individual programs in the United States and around the world. Life Teen programs are typically established in individual parish
Parish
A parish is a territorial unit historically under the pastoral care and clerical jurisdiction of one parish priest, who might be assisted in his pastoral duties by a curate or curates - also priests but not the parish priest - from a more or less central parish church with its associated organization...
es.
The name Life Teen is trademarked. According to the Life Teen Inc's convention, the name should be spelled as two words and as seen as follows, "Life Teen".
One of the founders of the movement, then Fr. Dale Fushek
Dale Fushek
Dale Fushek is the leader of the Praise and Worship Center in Chandler, Arizona and the former Vicar General of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix. In 2005 he was charged with 10 criminal misdemeanor counts related to alleged sexual contact with teens and young adults...
, was later excommunicated and laicized following an abuse scandal and opening of a non-denominational worship center in the Phoenix area.
In 2005 there was a controversy surrounding one of the organization's founders, Dale Fushek
Dale Fushek
Dale Fushek is the leader of the Praise and Worship Center in Chandler, Arizona and the former Vicar General of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix. In 2005 he was charged with 10 criminal misdemeanor counts related to alleged sexual contact with teens and young adults...
, who was accused of sexual contact with several youths. In 2008, he was excommunicated
Excommunication
Excommunication is a religious censure used to deprive, suspend or limit membership in a religious community. The word means putting [someone] out of communion. In some religions, excommunication includes spiritual condemnation of the member or group...
for founding an independent worship center in defiance of his bishop's order to cease all ministry work. In February of 2010 he was laicized. In April of 2010, Dale Fushek pled guilty to a misdemeanor assault charge involving inappropriate contact with a young man. The prosecution dropped an allegation that the contact was sexually motivated, meaning Dale Fushek was not required to register as a sex offender.
Life Teen's President, Randy Raus, recently encouraged prayer:
"I want to assure you as the President of Life Teen, that it has been over five years since Dale Fushek has been involved with the movement of Life Teen. We continue to pray for all involved and for healing. Again, the movement of Life Teen is in full support of Pope Benedict XVI, Bishop Olmsted and the Diocese of Phoenix in these matters. We are thankful to Bishop Olmsted for his continued support and guidance over the past few years. Life Teen faithfully and enthusiastically serves the Roman Catholic Church in complete obedience to the Magisterium and strict fidelity to Church teachings."
Ministry model
Life Teen has developed a dynamic model to help Youth Ministers and Core members execute comprehensive Catholic youth ministry in a parish setting. Life Teen's systematic catechetical gatherings, called Life Nights, have four distinct segments. These segments are Gather, Proclaim, Break, and Send. These segments are derived from the flow of the MassMass (liturgy)
"Mass" is one of the names by which the sacrament of the Eucharist is called in the Roman Catholic Church: others are "Eucharist", the "Lord's Supper", the "Breaking of Bread", the "Eucharistic assembly ", the "memorial of the Lord's Passion and Resurrection", the "Holy Sacrifice", the "Holy and...
.
- Gather: This section of the Life Night involves an invitation to the teenagers that welcomes them to a Life Night. This can be anything from an interactive game, a chance to win a prize, a skit or a funny video clip. Depending upon the specific night, some nights might utilize several of these aids. Also considered a part of the Gather is any promotion done at the youth Mass (which normally directly precedes a life night). This promotion can take several forms such as the Youth Minister making an announcement or the Core members passing out an object related to the theme of the night to try to pique the interest of the teens. The Gather is always directly related to the main message of the night.
- Proclaim: This section of the Life Night is devoted to the main teaching for the night. The Proclaim is advised to be 10-15 minutes long, depending on the topic. Typically, the talk is usually given by the Youth MinisterYouth ministryYouth ministry, also commonly referred to as Youth group, is an age-specific religious ministry and is the way in which a faith group, or other religious organization involves and engages with the young people who attend its place of worship, or live in its community...
or another Core member. Some Life Nights change the rhythm of this by suggesting a clergy member, a panel of people, or a team of 2-3 people lead the talk. Life Teen also has a prepared DVD component for certain Life Nights which can be shown in place of a live teaching.
- Break: In this section of the Life Night, teenagers are given the chance to "break open" the message of the night. Typically this takes the form of small groups. Life Teen recommends one adult for every 6-8 teens in a group. Certain Life Nights recommend a large group wrap session or doing a group activity (like a prayerPrayer forms (Catholic Church)Various prayer forms are in use in the Roman Catholic Church.- Blessing and adoration :The prayer of blessing is man’s response to God’s gifts...
walk) to provide the teens a chance to digest the message of the night.
- Send: The send portion of a Life Night is to wrap up the Life Night by giving the teens a way to take the message they learned and apply it to their lives at home. Generally the send involves some personal prayer time. Depending on the night, teens might be given the chance to make a personal commitment to do something or not do something. The teens may also be presented with a small gift (such as holy water, a nail or a cross) to help them remember the message of the night. Life Teen also recommends the closing of each Life Night with a reminder of what the next Life Night will be and having the teens say as a group the Hail MaryHail MaryThe Angelic Salutation, Hail Mary, or Ave Maria is a traditional biblical Catholic prayer asking for the intercession of the Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus. The Hail Mary is used within the Catholic Church, and it forms the basis of the Rosary...
and sing Ave MariaAve MariaAve Maria may refer to:*Ave Maria , the "Hail Mary", a traditional Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox prayer calling for the intercession of Mary, the mother of Jesus-Music:...
.
General Program Information
In the program, youth typically attend a Sunday Mass specifically intended for them, along with adult program leaders (CORE), which often teens' families and other interested parishioners also attend. Music and homilies are focused on teens and teens are invited to be trained in approved liturgical ministries such as lectors, ushers, altar servers, greeters and extraordinary ministers of the Eucharist (if approved by the Diocese).Following Mass, a "Life Night" is held, which incorporates teaching in Catholic beliefs, interactive activities, and socialization. Life Nights cover catechetical, social and issue related nights that are 100% Catholic and comprehensive.
Most Life Teen Programs utilize multiple events during the week, such as Bible Studies, Social Events, and the like to provide teenagers with healthy and holy activities to take part in during the week that will not only strengthen their bonds with each other, but will strengthen their relationship with God as well.
Mass
The Movement of Life Teen maintains a focus on helping teens fall deeper in love with Jesus in the Eucharist. Primarily this is done through celebration of a youth focused Mass. LIfe Teen remains faithful to the magisterium of the Catholic Church and stresses compliance with liturgical norms in obedience to the local Bishop. These liturgies often referred to by parishes as a "Life Teen" Mass, are not a teen only Mass, but a regular/communal Mass that is normally celebrated on Sunday evening. Each week hundreds of thousands of people attend one of these liturgies. The focus of the youth Mass is on helping teens and their families to fully participate, understand and foster transformation through their prayer at Mass. Portions of homilies are often geared toward teenagers, their culture and the relevance of their faith today. The music ranges from traditional Catholic hymns sometimes with a modern arrangement, to the latest Catholic worship songs. Instrumentation, quality sound and an emphasis on song as prayer help give an energy and reverence to these Masses. Life Teen has video talk from Fr. Robert Schreiner explaining the role of music within Liturgy.Additional Programs
In addition to High School Youth Ministry, Life Teen has been branching out as of late to many different other areas of ministry:Edge
Edge is Life Teen's middle school ministry for early adolescents in grades six, seven and eight. It is designed to meet the educational, spiritual, emotional, and social needs of young adolescents. Edge combines the best of Life Teen with the necessary adaptations to provide middle school youth with the ministry they need.Edge Nights occur once every week during the school year, and also has social and recreational activities designed to create a greater sense of community amongst Middle School Youth. In addition, several national Edge Summer Camps are held in Georgia, Arizona, and Missouri.
Parent LIFE
Life Teen recognizes the importance of ministry not only to teens but also to their families, especially parents. Parent LIFE was created to have a lasting effect on Life Teen Parishes, as a program to, for, and with parents that allow them to draw closer to Christ. The program solidifies and strengthens the family structure, and builds community within the parish.Parents LIFE is facilitated by the parents themselves. One person or a couple coordinates the overall parent ministry to insure consistency. The leader/leaders are under the direction of the Pastor or the Youth Minister.