“On the road of life, we never walk alone. Our journey is always intertwined with that of others: we are made for encounter, for walking together and for discovering a shared destination.” – Pope Leo XIV
GARY – A Mass for Youth and Young Adults took place on Aug. 3 at the Cathedral of the Holy Angels. Younger members of the faith community in the Diocese of Gary were represented throughout the service, demonstrating that the Catholic Church views young people as vital to its mission and future, while emphasizing their potential for faith, leadership and service.
Virginia Vicari, 9, greeted some of those arriving at the cathedral, helping to pass out programs to those as they entered. The member of St. Edward in Lowell said she was invited to attend the Mass at her parish earlier that morning.
“Sometimes on Sundays, when it's a new month, we have this little thing where we eat breakfast,” she said, describing just one of the activities she enjoys at the parish where her family attends Mass.
The Mass for Youth and Young Adults drew parishioners from various parts of the diocese to the cathedral, including the Mryzn family, parishioners of St. Michael the Archangel in Schererville. It was their first time visiting the cathedral, coming as a sign of support for their daughter Tessa, who was one of the altar servers for the Mass.
“This is great,” said mother Julie Mryzn. “Anything to encourage (the youth) to get more involved is a good thing.”
She explained her daughter, who is 16, has served as an altar server at their parish since she was in fourth grade. Tessa will be heading into her senior year of high school, and her sister, Brooke, a seventh grader, is also an altar server at their church.
“Tessa understands and is more involved with the Mass by being part of it,” said Julie Mryzn. “It involves them in a way that you don’t get by just sitting there. If you’re active and part of it, it makes it more meaningful.”
Kayla Carver, 17, read the first Scripture reading during the Mass. She said her family knows Father Michael Surufka, O.F.M., rector and pastor of the cathedral, well, and when her mom mentioned the Mass for Youth and Young Adults, she was happy to volunteer for a role during the liturgy.
“My favorite thing is proclaiming the Word,” she said. “There are many other ways of serving the Church, but for me personally, it's the easiest.”
Carver shared that she recently became more involved with youth ministry opportunities and just returned from her first mission trip to Mississippi through her home parish, Holy Name of Jesus in Cedar Lake.
Father Steven Caraher delivered the homily for the Sunday afternoon Mass. He began by saying that there are lies sometimes young people might tell themselves, such as “I have to wait until later until I can become holy,” “I have to wait until I'm married,” or “I have to wait until God calls me to be a priest, or I become a religious sister.”
“You are called to be holy now,” he exclaimed.
Father Caraher said that it was fitting to celebrate the Mass for Youth and Young Adults during the Jubilee Year of Hope, as they are a sign of hope for the Church. He also took a moment to recognize Father Alexander Kouris, presider for the liturgy.
“Just a little bit less than two months ago, he was here in this very cathedral, laying down his life before the Lord,” said Father Carahar. “He is a testament to what youth can do.”
Father Kouris led those gathered through the Liturgy of the Eucharist and a Prayer of Blessing following Communion for youth in middle school and high school, in addition to those ages 18-39.
“God of power and might,
We ask your blessing upon these young people.
May they continue to grow in wisdom, knowledge and understanding.
Bless their endeavors and actions, that they may be a blessing to their peers…”
In his closing remarks, Father Kouris thanked those in attendance for coming to the cathedral to show support for the youth and young adults of the diocese. He encouraged those within that age bracket to become more involved with the Church; to seek out events and activities through their parish as well as those organized by the diocese.
“We need participation from the young people in our Church,” he said. “We need more people to be at our events – to participate and bring their friends and share the Gospel.”
Vicky Hathaway, diocesan coordinator for youth and young adults, stated the Mass was a really beautiful liturgy, highlighting the gifts that the young people bring to the Church today.
“The musicians, liturgical ministers, servers, gift bearers and even the young adult clergy who were present highlighted that young people have gifts to share, and the Church should embrace them with open arms,” she said.
Hathaway continued, “I also just loved the support that family members gave their young people. Praying for them and lifting them up. Masses like these are important because they let young people know they are not alone and it's important to give thanks for the gifts that young people can give.”
Providing an opportunity for fellowship, a cookout was held outside of the cathedral following the Mass complete with hotdogs, fruit, desserts and more.
To stay up to date on the Diocese of Gary’s youth and young adult ministry, visit garyoyya.org.
